Artist: Bessie Smith Album: Bessie Smith Sings the Jazz

Year: 1996
Duration: 0:0-1

Exploring the Iconic Album Bessie Smith Sings the Jazz: A

Music is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it continues to evolve with time. Jazz is one genre of music that has endured the test of time, with its roots stretching back to the late 19th century. One of the iconic jazz musicians that graced the world with her music was Bessie Smith. Her album, Bessie Smith Sings the Jazz, is a masterpiece that demonstrates her mastery of the jazz genre. In this post, I will provide an in-depth of the album, including its best songs, some of its most innovative parts, a brief history of Bessie Smith, and a criticism of the album.
Bessie Smith was one of the most celebrated vocalists in jazz music history. Known as the “Empress of the Blues,” she was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894. She started her music career in vaudeville shows, and her talent soon gained her popularity among audiences. In 1923, she signed a contract with Columbia Records, and in 1927, she recorded the album Bessie Smith Sings the Jazz. The album could be considered as one of her greatest achievements, as it showcases her vocal range and her ability to perform the blues and jazz genres.
The music genre of the album is a blend of blues and jazz. The songs are introspective and emotional, reflecting the struggles of everyday life. Bessie’s unique style of singing is soulful and powerful, capturing the listener’s attention right from the start. The album features some of the most iconic songs of that time, such as “Gimme a Pigfoot (And a Bottle of Beer)” and “A Good Man Is Hard To Find.” Bessie’s style of delivery in these songs is unmatched, and they remain some of the most loved jazz tracks to date.
The most innovative parts of the album are Bessie’s ability to turn phrases, her soulful delivery, and her unique style of singing. When listening to the album, one is transported back in time and can visualize Bessie singing her heart out in front of a live audience. The use of piano and horn sections in the songs is another innovative part of the album. The combination of the three makes the tracks even more emotive, and the listener cannot help but sway along to the beat.
Critically, Bessie Smith Sings the Jazz is a great album, but it has its flaws. The album’s production quality could have been better as the sound is sometimes muffled, and some of the sounds blend together, making it difficult to distinguish between different instruments. Another criticism is that the album is too short; with only ten tracks, one wishes they could hear more of Bessie’s incredible voice.
In conclusion, Bessie Smith Sings the Jazz is an album that every jazz lover should have in their collection. Bessie was an icon in her time, and her music remains relevant to this day. The album showcases her unique style of singing, her soulful delivery, and her ability to turn phrases. Although the album could have been better produced and could have had more tracks, it remains a masterpiece of the jazz genre. Bessie Smith Sings the Jazz is a testament to Bessie’s ability to create music that touches the soul of anyone who listens to it.