As the title suggests, this is the definitive edition of Etta James' Tell Mama long-player. For this single-disc release the original album is augmented with five previously unissued tracks – documented during James' four Muscle Shoals sessions circa '67-'68. The question of why a rural Alabama town became a conduit for some of the most memorable and instantly identifiable grooves may still be up for debate. The evidence exists in droves and Tell Mama could certainly be considered exhibit A. These sessions feature the same impact that would redirect several first ladies of soul. Notable among them are Dusty Springfield's Dusty in Memphis, Aretha Franklin's I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) and to somewhat lesser acclaim, Jackie DeShannon's Jackie. Tell Mama showcases some of the unique and admittedly darker qualities of what might best be described as R&B noir. "I'd Rather Go Blind," "Steal Away," "I'm Gonna Take What He's Got" all exemplify the essence of the blues – making the best of a bad situation. The flipside of the sombre subject matter is the satisfying conviction in the music – which is where the remastering becomes particularly noticeable. No longer does the brass section sound alternately muffled or harsh as it has on previous releases. Likewise, the churning Hammond B-3 organ swells with rich textures. Perhaps the most sonically evident improvements are the subtle ones, such as the supple fretwork on "Sweet Dreams," "I'd Rather Go Blind," and the jazzy percussive shuffle of "The Same Rope."

This debut from Etta James, released in 1961, launched her solo career thanks to the hit title track which became her signature song and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. In addition to several pop and jazz standards, the album includes three other top five R&B singles, leading to the record's inclusion on the Rolling Stone list of the top 500 albums of all time.

This 14 tracks compilation from Master Music label features a bunch of starring artists and titles. From Muddy Waters and Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley. From Dinah Washington to Etta James. From Ben E. King and Eddy Cochrane to Manfred Mann's Earth Band. All is here.