Personnel: Big Mama Thornton (vocals, harmonica); Big Mama Thornton; J.W. Williams (bass instrument); Burt Robertson (drums); John Primer, Phil Guy (guitar); Johnny "Big Moose" Walker (piano).
Liner Note Author: Craig Morrison.
Recording information: The Rising Sun Celebrity Club (04/12/1977).
Sassy Mama is a reissue of Big Mama Thornton's Rising Sun Collection, which was first issued on CD in 1994 and shouldn't be confused with Vanguard's 1975 studio album by Big Mama of the same name. These tracks find Big Mama on foreign soil with a good band behind her, playing for the Euros in 1977. With Phil Guy and John Primer on guitar, and Johnny "Big Moose" Walker on piano, the band is truly kicking behind her as Willie Mae stretches out the tunes to a comfortable length. The tunes are old standards like "Rock Me Baby," "Summertime," "Sweet Little Angel," and the inevitable "Ball and Chain," as well as the "Hound Dog/Walkin' the Dog" medley. Justin-Time's 2005 reissue has been digitally remastered with different cover art, and the track "Spoonful" is now listed as "Tell Me Pretty Baby." ~ Cub Koda & Al Campbell
