Harry Belafonte - Belafonte At Carnegie Hall (2LP, 180g, 33 tours, Speakers Corner)
Harry Belafonte (voc) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Harry Belafonte]
Millard Thomas, Raphael Boguslav (g); Norman Keenan (b); Danny Barrajanos (perc) & orchestra conducted by Robert Corman
Written by Fred Brooks (A1), Lead Belly (A2, A3), Paul Campbell (A2, A4), C.C. Carter (B1), Bill Attaway (B2), Harry Belafonte (B2, D3), Lord Burgess (B3), Lord Melody (C1), William Attaway (C2), Irving Burgie (C2), Norman Span (C3), Frederick Edward Weatherly (C5), Tomas Mendez (D1), Harry Thomas (D3). C4 and D2 are traditional songs.
2 LPs, gatefold sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Live
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Speakers Corner
Original Label : RCA
Recording: April 1959 live at Carnegie Hall, New York, by Bob Simpson
Production: Bob Bollard
Originally released in 1959
Reissued in 2014
Tracks :
Side A :
Act 1: The Moods of the American Negro
1. Introduction – Darlin’ Cora
2. Sylvie
3. Cotton Fields
4. John Henry
5. Take My Mother Home
Side B :
Act 1: The Moods of the American Negro
1. The Marching Saints
Act 2: In The Caribbean
5. All My Trials
Side C :
Act 2: In The Caribbean
1 Mama Look A Boo Boo
2 Come Back Liza
3 Man Smart (woman smarter)
Act 3: Round The World
4 Hava Nageela
5 Danny Boy
6 Merci Bon Dieu (From The "Haitian Suite")
Side D :
Act 3: Round The World
1 Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma
2 Shenandoah
3 Matilda
Reviews :
« The granddaddy of all live albums, this double-LP set captured the excitement of a Harry Belafonte concert at the height of his popularity. Sampled from two consecutive performances of identical material, Belafonte at Carnegie Hall was an anomaly at a time when only comedy albums were recorded outside of the studio environment. It wasn't the first live album ever made, but it was certainly the first to be a major financial and artistic success. It stayed on the best-selling album charts for over three years and remained in print until RCA discontinued pressing LPs. From the opening trumpet fanfare and brief orchestral overture to the epic 12-minute version of "Matilda" (which set a standard for audience participation), the album never lets up. It is exciting, poignant, thrilling, intimate, and at times, spontaneously hilarious. Belafonte's mastery in front of an audience was never better displayed than here, a mastery that resulted in him becoming one of the most popular concert draws in history. Producer Bob Bollard and orchestra leader Bob Corman deftly integrated the 47-piece orchestra into the performance but knew when to lie back to let Belafonte sing, accompanied by a small combo of two guitars, bass, and percussion. The concert is divided in three sections: "Moods of the American Negro," "In the Caribbean," and "Around the World." All the hits are here: "Day O," "Jamaica Farewell," "Mama Look a Boo Boo," and others, plus calypso, folk songs, chain gang songs, spirituals, and songs from other lands, representing a veritable best-of package of his first decade with RCA Victor. For sheer scope and genius of performance, this is the quintessential Belafonte package. » AllMusic Review by Cary Ginell
To perform in Carnegie Hall must surely be the greatest ambition of every artist, regardless of his or her style of music. But it also presents an enormous challenge, because on such an evening 'good' isn’t good enough. The artist is not merely expected to perform to his or her usual high standard – the evening must be exceptional. Harry Belafonte, the charismatic and highly experienced performer, certainly managed to fulfil such expectations, as is testified to by the present double album, which has retained its place as a best-seller at the top of the charts over many years.
This performance contains three acts, as it were: Afro-American moods, Caribbean songs and excursions into music of the world. Belafonte is in top form and celebrates an exciting, sparkling festival of song, including spontaneous comic interludes, which arise from direct interaction with his enthralled and enthusiastic audience. He is brilliantly supported by Bob Corman and his 47-man orchestra, an ensemble which is reduced to a small combo when the maestro raises his husky voice. It goes without saying that all the favourites are there such as "Jamaica Farewell", "Day-O" and "Mama Look A Boo Boo", making this Carnegie Hall event one of the most mesmerizing live performances of all time, which captures the essence of the performer in his prime (All Music Guide). With this double album you too can sit in the audience and enjoy this great event.
Ratings :
Allmusic : 5 /5 , Discogs : Rate Your Music :