Harry Belafonte - Belafonte Sings The Blues

The first Belafonte album recorded originally in stereo!

200-gram LP plated and pressed at Quality Record Pressings!

Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound

Old-style tip-on heavyweight jacket by Stoughton Printing

"This 1958 recording, the first of Belafonte's in stereo and said to be his favorite among his albums, got a curiously tentative reception, most reviewers granting the superb performances while finding little in the selections or the mostly jazz arrangements that can truly be said to constitute 'blues,' e.g., three covers of Ray Charles songs, another of Billie Holiday's 'God Bless the Child' (heartfelt and intense, for Belafonte 'the greatest song in the world'), a fine taken on the great Arlen-Mercer 'One for My Baby.' Throughout, Belafonte's in glorious voice, his impeccable taste, masterly musicianship, exquisite phrasing, and interpretive intelligence everywhere in abundant evidence. With only 'Hallelujah I Love Her So,' 'Mary Ann,' and 'Cotton Fields' to lighten the proceedings, he was here determined to present a more introspective, thoughtful, probing singer from his Jamaican albums. 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." — Music = 5/5; Sonics = 4.5/5 — Paul Seydor, The Absolute Sound, May-June 2023

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," "Hallelujah I Love Her So." 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 200-gram vinyl preserve every exquisite detail! This is one of Belafonte's most satisfying set of performances.

Side 1

1. A Fool For You

2. Losing Hand

3. One For My Baby

4. In The Evenin’ Mama

5. Hallelujah I Love Her So

6. The Way That I Feel

Side 2

7. Cotton Fields

8. God Bless The Child

9. Mary Ann

10. Sinner’s Prayer

11. Fare Thee Well

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 4 person(s) rated this product.

Incredible sounding lp posted on 01/21/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: Frank A+++ love this lp. Great sound and dead quiet

Excellent! posted on 03/04/2023 5 Stars Wonderful sounding. Wish more albums in my collection sounded this good.

Fantastic record posted on 12/23/2022 5 Stars Reviewer: jmirwald I’ll definitely be buying more Belafonte as soon as it comes off back order. This is an amazing sounding record. You won’t regret it.

Just Wonderful! posted on 11/08/2016 5 Stars Great singing, great band, great recording, excellent pressing and packaging. One of my favorite albums.

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