+ 1/2 stars...The Ultimate King of Calypso Collection
Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 10/08/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If it weren't for Harry Belafonte, most Americans would have never become aware of calypso music. This generous 37-track collection hits most of the highlights of a remarkable career, including "Jamaica Farewell,: "Mary's Boy Child," "Man Smart (Woman Smarter)," "Jump in the Line" and of course his signature song "The Banana Boat Song." And while the emphasis is on his calypso and folk material, he also recorded more contemporary material like "Abraham, Martin & John" from 1970's BY REQUEST. My only complaint is that instead of using the million-selling single version of "The Banana Boat Song," they used a live version. If you're looking for a solid introduction into the music of Harry Belafonte, look no further. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
Who's in charge at RCA?
Roy Szanik | honolulu, hi United States | 10/24/2007
(1 out of 5 stars)
"How can a presumed greatest hits (essential collection) end up with two of Harry's biggest and most famous
songs being included as LIVE versions? What has happen with bona fide song selections? The studio versions
are what everyone heard in the 1950's and remember best (by ear). Apparently, RCA's CD producers for older
artists have no idea what they are doing. I guess it'll get even worse as we get older and the producers get younger. A good "essential collection" can only be GOOD if it passes the "by ear" test. If you were not around
in the 50s listening to the originals you have no idea which track to put on the CDs. RCA has entered this stage.
And if Harry really did select these songs he should KNOW better!!! I would not have this in my collection is RCA gave it to me gratis.
Aloha"
Be forwarned
Brenda J. Safranko | Los Angeles | 08/14/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This version of Jump In The Line is not the known version that was in Beetlejuice. It is a slower, big band version."
Belafonte - Still Incandescent after All these Years
Joseph T. Booth, IV | Prattville, Alabama | 05/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Belafonte at Carnegie Hall I purchased this CD, and the Essential Harry Belafonte CD recently from Amazon. My purchases arrived seperately, obtained by Amazon from different sources, in a timely manner. I heard Harry Belafonte's music as child. My parents were Belafonte fans, and during that era of the 60s, Belafonte's musical blend of Calypso, American folk, and traditional favorites from the world over was enchanting. The message of his music, the stories told in these songs of people, and their lives, and the burdens they carried, have remained moving, and inspiring, and timeless. The message I hear is that life is always different, but always the same; and people change, but remain human nevertheless. These songs celebrate life, and few artists have interpreted them as eloquently and beautifully as Harry Belafonte has in his music, especially his inspiring live performances. I feel fortunate that Belafonte's music is still available on Amazon, forty years on. Thanks, Amazon.
P.S. I recieved confirmation of my recent orders by e-mail yesterday, Saturday, only hours after I placed them."