Harry Belafonte - Belafonte Sings the Blues (1958/2016) [TR24][OF]

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. Review by Cary Ginell

TRACKLIST
01. A Fool for You 03:40
02. Losing Hand 04:20
03. One for My Baby 04:33
04. In the Evening Mama 03:29
05. Hallelujah I Love Her So 02:52
06. The Way That I Feel 04:33
07. Cotton Fields 05:18
08. God Bless the Child 05:04
09. Mary Ann 02:47
10. Sinner's Prayer 03:43
11. Fare Thee Well 04:44

PERSONNEL
Harry Belafonte with Orchestra
Alan Greene, Bob Corman, Dennis Farnon, conductor

Recorded: January 29, March 29, 1958 in New York, June 5 and 7, 1958 in Hollywood.