Harry Belafonte Belafonte Sings the Blues 180g LP

TAS Rated 5/5 Music, 4.5/5 Sonics in the May/June 2023 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

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A favorite off the recommended list by The Absolute Sound magazine, and, as expressed in the liner notes, Harry Belafonte's favorite recording. Belafonte has never before sung on records as he does in this album. He is freer, more earthy, more exultantly identified with his material than ever before. He has always communicated an often ferocious power as well as lyrical sensitivity, but in this collection he achieves a unity of emotional strength in and understanding of his material that marks an important stage in his evolution as an artist.

Includes classic songs "Cotton Fields", "God Bless' The Child", and "Hallelujah I Love Her So". It was recorded in New York City in January and March 1958, and in Hollywood, California, in June 1958.

As the liner notes by Nat Hentoff state, there is not much to say about the individual performances that is not entirely clear on hearing them. Truly a classic for discerning audiophiles, Belafonte Sings The Blues was the first Belafonte album recorded in stereo. The sound is incredible, and the dead-silent backgrounds of QRP 180-gram vinyl preserve every exquisite detail! This is one of Belafonte's most satisfying set of performances.

Throughout, Belafonte's in glorious voice, his impeccable taste, masterly musicianship, exquisite phrasing, and interpretive intelligence everywhere in abundant evidence... Belafonte fans need no urging, but all who love stylish, committed, deeply felt singing will be amply rewarded. Although the left/center/right miking so prevalent in early stereo places the singer in a pleasingly atmospheric center while the instrumentalists, brass in particular, reside on the relatively airless sides, the sonics are nevertheless rich, vibrant, and vividly transparent.