Artist: Harry Belafonte
Album: Belafonte Sings The Blues
Genre: Pop
Release Date: 1958/2016
Audio Format:: FLAC (tracks) 24 bit, 192 kHz
Duration: 45:08
Total Tracks: 12
Total Size: 1,58 GB

Tracklist:

1. Harry Belafonte – A Fool For You (03:40)
2. Harry Belafonte – Losing Hand (04:19)
3. Harry Belafonte – One For My Baby (04:35)
4. Harry Belafonte – In The Evenin’ Mama (03:30)
5. Harry Belafonte – Hallelujah I Love Her So (02:55)
6. Harry Belafonte – The Way That I Feel (04:32)
7. Harry Belafonte – Cotton Fields (05:18)
8. Harry Belafonte – God Bless The Child (05:05)
9. Harry Belafonte – Mary Ann (02:43)
10. Harry Belafonte – Sinner’s Prayer (03:43)
11. Harry Belafonte – Fare Thee Well (04:42)

Download:

Impex’s line of classic RCA Living Stereo releases now includes the inimitable vocal stylings of Harry Belafonte singing the timeless words and music of American blues in truly breathtaking sound. Belafonte Sings the Blues was recorded over four sessions during the first half of 1958, and released by RCA later that year. The album features thrilling performances of numerous Billie Holiday, Johnny Mercer, and Ray Charles songs, interpreted in a way that only Belafonte can. The blues are close to Belafonte’s heart and it clearly shows here on his renditions of such classics as “One For My Baby”, “Cotton Fields” and “God Bless the Child” among others!After flirting with traditional African-American material in his previous albums, Belafonte, for the first time, devotes an entire album to the blues. However, of the eleven songs, only two could be classified as traditional blues: “In the Evenin’ Mama” and “Cotton Fields,” the latter given a five minute treatment. Belafonte would take this song on the road as part of his live act for the next decade. Of the other songs, three were covers of Ray Charles standards (“A Fool For You,” “Hallelujah I Love Her So,” “Mary Ann”). Another highlight is Belafonte’s rendition of Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child.” With few exceptions, the entire album is understated and not as exciting or riveting as other Belafonte records. Still, it’s solid listening, and taken track by track, thoughtful performances. Footnote: this was the first Belafonte album recorded in stereo. Some releases feature a thick, dark blue spine. ~~AllMusic Review by Cary Ginell