Definitive Superb Collection of Rare 1950's Recordings
Kevin J. Roberts | 10/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These are recordings that Robeson made with his son Paul Jr. as engineer, for his private label Othello in the blacklisted years of the 1950's. A good number were released on the independent LP label Monitor, but these are now the definitive issue on CD. The essay is the first published discussion of the making of these recordings. Most are with just piano. The essay describes how these were the first recordings of Robeson made with state-of-the-art ribbon-type microphones which brought out the deep bass tones of Robeson's voice better than ever. It seems ironic that the government that blacklisted Robeson and tried to destroy him is now the record company (the Smithsonian) that releases these recordings! These are a must. The booklet is great and the recordings are beautiful. I hope that the Smithsonian issues all of the rest of these independent recordings made in the 50's, as many are very very rare."
Robeson's catholic tastes are in full form...
Joe Anthony (a.k.a. JAG 1) | Massachusetts, USA | 06/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One problem that always comes up when purchasing music by an artist such as Paul Robeson, is getting good sound quality. Due to limited technology of the times, much of Robeson's material is almost unlistenable. This collection, however, provides clear, clean, and soulful recordings that cover a good cross-section of Robeson's diverse repitiore. From African-American spirituals, to socialist-labor songs, to Russian opera, to Yiddish folksongs and English madrigals; Robeson's catholic tastes are in full form.
This reasonably priced collection also comes with detailed liner notes."
Paul's Journey
Richard Lancaster | Western Australia | 09/05/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"What I enjoyed most about this CD are the songs recorded in 1955 in a private apartment on an early portable tape recorder. Although Paul's voice is past its best by then, the quality is amazing in a less than ideal recording situation. His voice is relaxed, mellow and the simplicity of the song and the simple piano accompaniment highlight the ease with which he sings those low notes.
This CD should be valued not just by Robeson's fans. This historic recording is highly recommended for anyone who loves the bass\baritone sound or just good singing by a mature voice."