Belafonte

LP mono: RCA LPM1150C
LP pseudostereo: RCA LPE1150
LP "stereo" RCA LSP1150(e)
LP Victor RA5229 (Japan)
LP Victor SHP5094 (Japan)
LP RCA L0246 (Australia)
Reel to reel tape: RCA CP10
45rpm: EPA693, EPA694 and EPA695
All songs are also on the album BCD16262
and the CD-box RGMCD006

Released in 1955
1,7 with Millard Thomas guitar
2,4 with Tony Scotts orchestra
6,8,10,11 with Norman Luboff Choir.
Producer: Henri René, Director: Tony Scott
Sax: Bud Shank, Jimmy Giuffre, Trumpet: Buddy Childers, Conti Condoli, Maynard Ferguson.
Recorded at Radio Recorders Studio in Hollywood, August 10 to 19, 1955
Liner-notes: William Attaway


A1 Waterboy # 3:42
A2 Troubles # 3:38
A3 Suzanne # 3:19
A4 Matilda # 3:11
A5 Take My Mother Home # 6:00
B1 Noah # 4:53
B2 Scarlet Ribbons # 3:13
B3 In That Great Gettin' Up Mornin' # 3:15
B4 Unchained Melody # 3:18
B5 Jump Down Spin Around # 1:54
B6 Sylvie # 5:21

Belafonte's second album includes songs featured in the Broadway production of Three for Tonight, which starred Belafonte along with Gower and Marge Champion. The collection again featured a variety of material, which would become a hallmark with his albums up until the mid-1960s. But now, for the first time, the power of Belafonte's interpretive skills become apparent, especially with songs culled from field recordings of chain gangs and southern prisons. "Jump Down, Spin Around" and "Sylvie" were both popularized by Leadbelly. The hammer song "Water Boy" and the spirituals "Take My Mother Home" and "Noah" are among the most powerful performances in Belafonte's career. Also included is Belafonte's second recording of one of his most requested songs, the calypso "Matilda." This version was far superior to his first effort, released only on a single in 1953. This album was swept along with the success of Belafonte's next release, the million-selling Calypso, and was #1 on Billboard's album charts for six weeks, remaining on the charts for over a year.
~ Cary Ginell, All Music Guide

LSP1150(e) front

LSP1150(e) back

L0246 front

L0246 back
<- Reel to reel tape: RCA CP-10