Goodnight My Love

Jesse Belvin's Modern Record legacy, from 1955-57, 25 songs (including an alternate take of "Goodnight My Love") including an undubbed version of "Beware," a pair of previously unheard songs ("What Can I Do Without You," "I'll Make A Bet"), a compelling soulful cover of Sam Cooke's "You Send Me," and the previously overlooked single version of "Sad And Lonesome," as well as a sample ("Summertime") of the kind of pop standard that he would later master. Whether he's doing do-wop style or crooning, the voice is magnificent, and the overall sound is extremely powerful and points very much toward the sound that Belvin would arrive at before his death. This CD isn't easy to find -- stores stock Flair/Virgin's B.B. King reissues more willingly -- but it's worth tracking down or ordering. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide