Ballad of the Blues

AMG Review of Ballad of the Blues

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

Jo Stafford's Ballad of the Blues is a concept album showcasing the influence of the lues through a story told in song, primarily in a pop setting with a full orchestra. Accompanied by her husband Paul Weston and his orchestra, along with the backing vocals of the all-male quartet the Starlighters, Stafford explores traditional fare such as "John Henry," spirituals ("Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen"), standards "Blues in the Night"), jazz classics ("Memphis Blues" and "Lover Man"), along with new compositions featuring music by Weston and lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The music seamlessly segues from one track to the next, even as the mood changes from pop to jazz and back again. Stafford's delicious alto voice stands the test of time very well throughout the sessions. The CD concludes with an informative 2003 half-hour interview with Jo Stafford that explains in detail the genesis of the original release.