Ballad of the Blues

If you like this haunting style of beautiful, orchestrated blues, I also recommend Julie London's "About the Blues", although Jo Stafford's is of course superior in every way. She is, of course, the greatest singer of the 20th century. I'm 19 and all of my friends that I've played this for agree - Jo is the best. My only wish is that her "Songs of Scotland" album would be released on CD soon or that I could meet Jo Stafford. We even almost have the same birthday...she's Nov. 12 and I'm Nov. 11. I just thought that was interesting. :)


Uplifting Blues   October 1, 2003
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I don't believe that it would be possible to over-state the quality of this music. I had hoped, for some time, to see the release of this 1959 album in this format; now that I've had an opportunity to enjoy this collection of thematically unified tunes in its entirety, I can say without hesitation that it's the finest concept album I've ever heard. The Blues, as an American art form, is explored - from its origins to the directions it took with the growth of our country ("times change and things change") - by the singer who has, in my opinion, done more than any other, through her artistry and versatility, to make us aware of this land's musical riches. Jo Stafford, with her inimitable tone and always musicianly approach to singing, proves herself capable of belting (and crooning) The Blues with the same conviction that characterizes her work in other musical styles such as Broadway, Jazz, Folk, and mid-century Pop. The fact that, as the liner notes state, this album is neither a history of The Blues nor a collection of Blues songs in the strictest sense of the form, I feel, makes it more satisfying than if it had been either or both. I regard these tracks, collectively, as an examination of the situations and experiences that inspire this very personal art form. The brilliant arranger/composer Paul Weston (Jo's late husband) and lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman wrote original music that serves as a kind of narrative and allows each Blues theme to move seamlessly into the next, from the work song, through the spiritual, to the more contemporary material dealing with the timeless topics of infidelity and longing. The musical accompaniment is varied and appropriate to each piece, The Starlighters provide excellent vocal support, and Jo Stafford, The World's Greatest Singer, is at her most affecting. Listen to "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child", "Kansas City Blues", "He's Gone Away", "Every Night When The Sun Goes In", "Lover Man" and "Blues In The Night" - you'll see what I mean. If you have the LP, you already know what I mean, but get the CD anyway!