Paul Robeson - Live at Carnegie Hall

Ebony, Sept, 1989 by Charles L. Sanders

Paul Robeson -- Live at Carnegie Hall

Paul Robeson -- Live at Carnegie Hall (Vanguard Compact Disc 72020) is a superb introduction to the great man for the still-wet-behind-the-ears crowd that knows nothing about him (scholar-athlete at Rutgers University, concert artist, civil rights activist, lawyer, actor). The concert was taped on May 9, 1958, but has been remastered so that the sound is pristine. Robeson was in great voice despite his advancing years (he was 60 at the time, and died 18 years later in 1976). Selected for this CD were 22 of the songs he sang at the standing-room only recital (demand for tickets was so great that he had to perform again two weeks later). He sings in Chinese, Russian and, of course, English, and the program ranges from a Schubert lullaby and a tender aria by Bach, to a Chassidic chant, to "Old Man River" and a selection of Spirituals.

Al Green's album I Get Joy (A&M Records SP 5228) is a program of inspirational songs including "You're Everything to Me," "All My Praise," "Praise Him" and "Blessed." The musicians are kept in their places and Green's superb voice is allowed to swoop and soar in a way that is indeed a joy to hear.

ALSO RECOMMENDED: Amandla, by Miles Davis (Warner Bros. Records 9 25873-1); All My Love, by Peabo Bryson (Capitol C1-90641); Knowledge Is King, by Kool Moe Dee (RCA/Jive 1182-1-J); Seven Spanish Angels and Other Hits, by Ray Charles (Columbia FC 45062); Old Friends, New Friends, by Ndugu (MCA 6301); Point of View, by Spyro Gyra (MCA 6309); Falling Like Rain, by Constina (Columbia 44-688211); Don't Rush It, by Tyren Perry (Columbia FC 45151); Serious, by the O'Jays (EMI 90921); Good to Be Back, by Natalie Cole (EMI 48902); We're Movin' Up, by Atlantic Starr (Warner Bros. 25849); It's Real, by James Ingram (Warner Bros. 25924); Keep On Movin', by Soul II Soul (Virgin 91267); Knowledge Is King, by Kool Moe Dee (Jive 1182), and Big Tyme, by Heavy D. & The Boyz (MCA 42302).