July was a banner month for blues releases with the release of a massive box set from blues grand dame and legend Ma Rainey, featuring her entire recordings at Paramount Records between 1923-1928. Additionally, Chris O'Leary provides some hard-core roadhouse blues, and Albert Castiglia goes to London to revisit his influences. Ma Rainey— Ma Rainey: Mother Of The Blues, The Complete Paramount Recordings 1923-1928, July 24Ma Rainey might not have given birth to the blues, but she nurtured them like a devoted mother lavishing her tough love on her rough and tumble babies. In addition to breaking racial and gender barriers, Rainey built a career as a blues performer comfortable with bringing other styles into the music, including ragtime, hokum, and jazz. Rainey was not a blues shouter, delivering her message with plenty of oomph and swagger without being overbearing.