Throughout my twenties I sang with a trad jazz band and this cautionary tale about the fickle … See more

My love of Bessie Smith led me to LaVern Baker, who I discovered through LaVern Baker Sings Bessie Smith. My favourite on the album is Gimme A Pig Foot. It was a bold move f… See more

I discovered Mississippi Fred McDowell via the jazz singer Cassandra Wilson. She did a cover of this song on her 2002 album Belly Of The Sun. This led me to searching out the orig… See more

I idolise Ruth Brown or ‘Miss Rhythm’ as she is otherwise known. She was the woman who started it all – a true trailblazer and a role model who navigated her way through 50… See more

This song was the B-side to Big Maybelle’s unissued I’ve Got A Feelin’but this raunchy recording is my personal favourite. Big Maybelle is belting out her heart’s desire, a sound so bi… See more

I love Wynona Carr’s vocal styling; the sensual, husky quality and warmth that she emulates. Ultimately, it’s the gospel sound that hits me right in the heart, the throbbing vocal style … See more