Personnel includes: Big Mama Thornton (vocals); Buddy Guy, Fred McDowell (guitar); Muddy Waters Blues Band.

Tracks recorded between 1965 and 1968.

Personnel: Big Mama Thornton (vocals, harmonica, drums); Freddie Green, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Muddy Waters, Sammy Lawhorn, Bee Houston, Sam Herman, Buddy Guy (guitar); James Cotton , Big Walter Horton (harmonica); Earle Warren (alto saxophone); Everett Minor, Seldon Powell (tenor saxophone); Clark Terry (trumpet); Eddie Below, Eddie Boyd (piano, organ); Nathaniel Dove, Otis Spann, Wynton Kelly (piano); Francis Clay, Fred Below, Gus Wright, Grady Tate, Jimmy Cobb (drums).

Liner Note Author: Chris Strachwitz.

Recording information: Hollywood, CA (10/20/1965-01/25/1968); London, England (10/20/1965-01/25/1968); Plaza Sound Studios, New York, NY (10/20/1965-01/25/1968); San Francisco, CA (10/20/1965-01/25/1968).

Photographer: Chris Strachwitz.

Arhoolie's Ball n' Chain is a terrific collection of late-'60s recordings from Big Mama Thornton. Supported on various tracks by Lightnin' Hopkins and Larry Williams, Big Mama runs through such familiar items as "Hound Dog," "Sometimes I Have a Heartache," "Sweet Little Angel," "Little Red Rooster," "Wade in the Water," and "Ball and Chain," turning in generally powerful performances. By and large, these don't necessarily rival her classic '50s recordings, but they are worth investigating if you're looking for something more. ~ Thom Owens