Big Maybelle The Okeh Sessions

Her mountainous stature matching the sheer soulful power of her massive vocal talent, Big Maybelle was one of the premier R&B chanteuses of the ‘50s. Her deep, gravelly voice was as singular as her recorded output for Okeh and Savoy, which ranged from down-in-the-alley blues to pop-slanted ballads. She appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958, and acquired a large following among lovers of the blues, rhythm and blues, jazz and rock and roll. Near the end of her life she even covered hits by the Beatles, andDonovan. Big Maybelle’s career was hampered throughout and cut short by a severe drug addiction, but she packed a lot of living into her shortened lifespan. It’s worth mentioning how, almost half a century later, the power in her Okeh sessions is still palpable.

With her bold, gritty sound, she comes off like nothing so much as a female Howlin’ Wolf, and one can’t imagine her not being an influence on the full-throttle blues of Etta James, Aretha, Janis Joplin and countless others. ‘So Good to My Baby’ features typically microphone-distorting belting from the singer, and an appropriately blazing horn section. ‘Gabbin’ Blues,’ her 1952 Okeh debut smash, is a humorous dialogue between Maybelle and gossiping rival Rose Marie McCoy, the tune’s co-writer.

One of the most stirring cuts here is ‘Ocean of Tears,’ a percolating, minor-key tune in which Maybelle bemoans her sorrowful state with an unforgettably cathartic angst. Also impressive, though, are ballads such as ‘You’ll Never Know,’ ‘Ain’t No Use,’ and ‘You’ll Be Sorry,’ which show a pleasant, softer side to Maybelle’s craft. ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,’ a song that she took to the top of the R&B charts before Jerry Lee Lewis turned it into a rock & roll anthem, her 1955 single ‘One Monkey Don’t Stop No Show’ and 1954’s ’I’m Getting ‘Long Alright’, are also standouts. New York session wizards such as tenor saxophonist Sam “The Man” Taylor and guitarist Mickey Baker provide great support throughout. The tracks contained on this album showcase one of the greatest blues singers of all time, at her prime. De Mayo De

• Stereo recording

• Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 5 business days for this item's shipment.**
• Genre: Jazz
• Format Detail: 2LP Black
• Internal ID: JIT
• Released: 7/25/18
• Format: Vinyl

Domestic U.S. Standard Shipping: Arrives within 5-7 business days.

International Shipping:  We ship to many countries worldwide. 

Delivery times and costs depend on the destination and the shipping method selected.

Please note, international customers are responsible for any customs, duties and taxes.

Upgraded Shipping services are available upon request.  

Please email mark@musicrecordshop.com for more information. 

Order Processing

Orders are ordinarily handled inside 1-2 business days. You will get a confirmation email upon shipment with a tracking number. 

Shipping Rates

Shipping charges are based on the weight of your order and the selected shipping method at checkout. We strive to offer competitive shipping rates for the best value.

Free Shipping

We offer free standard shipping on domestic orders on selected packs and vinyl offerings. 

Returns and Exchanges

Please contact us with any return or exchange requests.

Email:  mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675

Return Policy

Returns are accepted within 7 days of product delivery.  

New vinyl must be unopened and unplayed, unless there is concealed damage.  

Used vinyl is graded for vinyl and jacket condition.  Please contact us directly if there is a problem. 

Signed vinyl records cannot be returned unless they are damaged or defective.

Sleeves and LP Mailers can be returned within 7 days.  

Please contact us with any return issue.

Email: mark@muscirecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675

Return Process

Contact Us: To initiate a return, email us at mark@musicrecordshop.com or call us at 314.675.8675. Include your order number and product issue.

Ship the Item: Pack the item securely for return. 

Refunds:  A refund will be issued after we receive and inspect your returned item. 

You will receive an email notification of the refund. 

Exchanges: If you need to exchange an item, please contact us.

Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone: 314.675.8675.

Return Shipping

Customers are responsible for return delivery costs except if the item is damaged. Please contact us if you need a return label.  

Email:  mark@musicrecordshop.com

Phone:  314.675.8675