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."
