Ma Rainey’s “Mountain Jack Blues” begins idyllically: “Early this morning, everything was still…” But the true meaning of that seemingly pastoral moment soon is revealed as the narrator describes sadly watching her lover walk away, remembering his devastating last words to her: “I’m goin’, sweet mama, cryin’ won’t make me stay – The more you cry, the further you’ll drive me away”.
Recorded in February 1926 in Chicago with pianist Jimmy Blythe.
Released as Paramount 12352.
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