• This compelling set of vocal blues tunes by Harry Belafonte came as a pleasant surprise in his career. Never before had he sung on records as he did for this 1958 album. There is still much of the performer and the folk singer in his basic presentation here, but there is also rawness and fervour for the blues feeling.

• Backed appropriately by superior groups, featuring outstanding jazz soloists - Belafonte always dug jazz - he manages to come through as a fine, warm, moving blues singer of emotional smoothness and control.

• Included for comparison are six rare tracks that launched his brief career as a jazz-oriented singer in 1949, and an original Belafonte blues in two parts: “The Blues is Man,” recorded in 1955.

• Personnel : Harry Belafonte vocals, accompanied by : Alan Greene, Bob Corman, Dennis Farnon (leader, cond), Roy Eldridge, Don Fagerquist (tp), Milt Bernhart (tb), Ben Webster, Plas Johnson, Bump Myers (ts), Hank Jones, Jimmy Rowles (p), Laurindo Almeida (g), Red Callender (b), Osie Johnson (d) - recorded in New York & Hollywood.

• Bonus Tracks: with orchestras of Howard McGhee, Pete Rugolo and one conducted by Tony Scott - musicians featured include : Buddy Childers, Maynard Ferguson, Conte Candoli, Conrad Gozzo (tp), Milt Bernhart (tb), Bud Shank, Jimmy Giuffre, Ted Nash, Herbie Steward, Buddy Collette, Brew Moore, Zoot Sims (reeds), Jimmy Raney (g), Al Haig (p),Tommy Potter (b), Roy Haynes (d), and other top West Coast jazz names - recorded in New York & Hollywood.