Jessie Mae Hemphill was one of the great musicians from northern Mississippi.  Kin to the also legendary Sid Hemphill and Rosa Lee Hill, she played in fife-and-drum bands as a young woman and the experience seems to have influenced the hypnotic rhythms and “endless boogie” nature of her sound. She had a bit of a flirtatious delivery, with language that isn’t necessarily coy, but a tone that suggests a genuine, youthful vim. RL Boyce is a very noteworthy addition to a few tracks, with a joyous drumming style with a loose, almost free groove that is a perfect accent to Hemphill’s songs.  It’s a great sound that has aged extremely well, and her music thankfully continues to find many new welcoming ears.

This compilation draws mainly from her “She Wolf” and “Feelin’ Good” albums that were cut in the 1980s, plus a couple scattered tracks. Silkscreened cover (that arrived with a bit of rubbing), 180-gram pressing, and a booklet with color photos and notes by Dr. David Evans.  Out on the Moi J’Connais label from Switzerland.

First ever recordings of the great Jessie Mae Hemphill.  Two sweet-voiced a cappella gospel numbers (“Home Going” and “I Want To Be Ready”) on one side and an interesting interview on the other, where she discusses learning to play music from her grandfather, the legendary Sid Hemphill.  Recorded in Senatobia, MS in August 1967, back when she was still known as Jessie Mae Brooks.