When Janis Joplin electrified the folk/blues scene with her incredibly propelled version of Big Mama Thorton's "Ball & Chain," I really wanted to hear more from the source. Unfortunately it wasn't until recently that I listened to this CD that features "Ball & Chain." I was surprised at the high quality of the entire CD--and also a little surprised how "modern" Willie Mae "Big Mama" sounded on the CD. I don't know, I guess I was expecting more in the line of an anthology, archival performance in the way of Bessie Smith recordings (and I am serious Bessie Smith fan too.)Willie Mae originated "Hound Dog" that was later such a hit for Elvis. Elvis' version is great, but I prefer the original.Legendary Muddy Waters accompanies on five tunes.As for "Ball & Chain," you can really hear the influence the original had on Janis Joplin--and how Janis also made it her own. Big Mama Thorton's blues phraseology is both strong & yet unequivocally delicate.JailBig Mama Thornton in EuropeThe Complete Vanguard RecordingsHound Dog: The Peacock RecordingsAll the WayLet's RollThe Essential Bessie SmithGreatest HitsBessie Smith: The Complete Recordings, Vol. 1Cheap ThrillsPearlI Got Dem Ol' Kozmic Blues Again, Mama