August Wilson

In a 1927 recording session in Chicago, Ma Rainey and her band try to avoid being victimized by the white music industry.

A Play in Two Acts

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

Jeff Brown 

Very enjoyable read, especially with some old blues on in the background.

Strong portrayal of a prima donna, and the action among band members during down time, hanging around, shooting the breeze. But mostly the rage against the society these men knew held them down. Well done.

Knew a few guys like Levee when I was in jazz bands. And, they were all trumpet players, too, hmm. He needed a good punch, but I’m curious what his version of “Black Bottom” sounded like.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom A Play in Two Acts

Reviews