There was nothing like the Robeson sound, ever. To describe his deep, rich, perfectly equalized instrument is futile. Go instead to "Balm in Gilead," the opening track, and see if you can listen to

Songs of Free Men

There was nothing like the Robeson sound, ever. To describe his deep, rich, perfectly equalized instrument is futile. Go instead to "Balm in Gilead," the opening track, and see if you can listen to the last pianissimo phrase without falling to pieces. Robeson was at his best when the music was slow and the words contained spiritual or social messages. Faster, lighter fare like Kern's "I Still Suits Me" or Gershwin's "It Ain't Necessarily So" find the serious-minded singer out of his element, lacking irony and swing. "Old Man River," though, gets a simple, dignified treatment. It's Songs of Free Men, though, that will just keep Robeson's artistry rolling along, especially in Sony's astonishing transfers. --Jed Distler
Country USA
Brand Stones Throw
Manufacturer Sony Classical
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 074646322321
ReleaseDate 1997-12-09
UnitCount 1
Format Original recording remastered
UPCs 074646322321
EANs 0074646322321

Country	USA
Brand	Stones Throw
Manufacturer	Sony Classical
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	074646322321
ReleaseDate	1997-12-09
UnitCount	1
Format	Original recording remastered
UPCs	074646322321
EANs	0074646322321

Songs of Free Men