Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte – In My Quiet Room (1966/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/192kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · December 8, 2016 · Comments off

Probably the lushest album Harry Belafonte ever made, this record offered further proof to record store owners that HB should be moved from the folk section to easy listening. The liner notes try to label the record as a concept album of ballads, but the only concept we can see is another record to be heard in subdued volume in dentists’ offices and elevators. One begins to wonder whether Belafonte, not even 40, had his best years behind him already. Former Weaver Fred Hellerman deserves some of the credit (or blame) for the pallid material; he co-wrote five of the ten songs. At least on his other ballad albums, Belafonte was provided with interesting instrumentation, including harpsichords, guitars, organs, etc. This production reveals no such innovations, with arranger Hugo Montenegro preferring to drown each song in a tidal wave of strings (labeled as “an opulent orchestral sound” in the notes). Noteworthy among the titles are several Belafonte retreads from earlier in his career: “Try to Remember” (from The Fantasticks), “Summertime Love,” and a song that was recorded only as a single back in 1954, “I’m Just a Country Boy.” ~~AllMusic Review by Cary Ginell

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Harry Belafonte – Belafonte Sings of The Caribbean (1957/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · December 8, 2016 · Comments off

Belafonte’s second album of songs from the West Indies expanded the scope in both style as well as geography from the Calypso album. As in that album, his chief collaborator was the prolific Irving Burgie. For the first time, we hear Belafonte sing one of the famous wry calypso tunes based on historical happenings. “Love, Love Alone” dealt with the abdication of King Edward VII to marry the American widow, Mrs. Wallis Simpson. Also on the album are the ballads “Haiti Cherie” and “Island in the Sun,” the latter the theme song from the motion picture starring Belafonte and Joan Fontaine. The songs are catchy and melodic, and the accompaniment has been stepped up to feature an orchestra, conducted by longtime Belafonte orchestra leader Robert DeCormier (aka Bob Corman). Note: the Japanese release replaces three tracks with “I Do Adore Her,” from Calypso, plus two RCA Victor singles that were never on LP in the U.S.: “Venezuela” and “Mama Look a Boo Boo.” ~~AllMusic Review by Cary Ginell

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Harry Belafonte – Belafonte at the Greek Theatre (1963/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · December 8, 2016 · Comments off

Legendary singer Harry Belafonte’s 3rd live album, released in 1963.

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Harry Belafonte – Belafonte (1955/2016) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · December 8, 2016 · Comments off

Legendary singer Harry Belafonte’s second studio album, released in 1955. As one of his most successful albums, Belafonte’s self titled release debuted at the #1 spot on the Billboard Top 200 and remained there for six weeks, only being knocked out by Elvis Presley’s own self-titled album

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