Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton was much more than the originator of "Hound Dog" - she was one of the greatest Blues singers. She could be fun and sassy, and could also be plaintive and emotional. After Bessie Smith and before Koko Taylor, there was Big Mama Thornton.

BIG MAMA THORNTON WITH THE MUDDY WATERS BLUES BAND - 1966 consists of 17 songs recorded April 25, 1966 at Coast Recorders in San Francisco, CA. Disc packaged in black jewel case; total running time 63:50. Booklet includes essays by Chris Strachwitz, Philip Elwood, and Ralph J. Gleason; three black & white photographs; and track information (songwriter credits, musician personnel). Sound quality is good.

Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 previously appeared on Arhoolie's 1989 release "Ball `N' Chain". There are alternate versions of "I'm Feeling Alright", "Black Rat", and "Gimme a Penny". "Big Mama's Shuffle" (track 14) is an instrumental track. Tracks 11-17 are previously unreleased.

This is a really nice collection. It is a must-have for Blues fans, especially anyone who likes Big Mama Thornton