Album Info
| Artist: | Aretha Franklin With The Ray Bryant Combo |
| Album: | Aretha |
| Released: | Europe, 18 Feb 2022 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Won't Be Long | |
| Written-By - J. Leslie McFarland | ||
| A2 | Over The Rainbow | |
| Written-By - E. Y. Harburg, H. Arlen | ||
| A3 | Love Is The Only Thing | |
| Written-By - J. Leslie McFarland | ||
| A4 | Sweet Lover | |
| Written-By - J. Leslie McFarland, S. Wyche | ||
| A5 | All Night Long | |
| Written-By - C. Lewis | ||
| A6 | Who Needs You? | |
| Written-By - B. Holiday, J. Burns | ||
| B1 | Right Now | |
| Written-By - J. Leslie McFarland | ||
| B2 | Are You Sure | |
| Written-By - M. Willson | ||
| B3 | Maybe I'm A Fool | |
| Written-By - J. Leslie McFarland | ||
| B4 | It Ain't Necessarily So | |
| Written-By - I. Gershwin-G. Gershwin | ||
| B5 | (Blue) By Myself | |
| Written-By - J. Leslie McFarland, J. Bailey | ||
| B6 | Today I Sing The Blues | |
| Written-By - C. Lewis |
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Description
Aretha Franklin's debut album, "Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo," was released on February 27, 1961, by Columbia Records. This album marks the beginning of what would become a legendary career for the "Queen of Soul." At just 18 years old, Aretha Franklin was already showcasing her incredible vocal talent and versatility, setting the stage for her future as one of the most influential artists in music history.
"Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo" is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Franklin's career. The album features a mix of jazz, blues, and pop standards, highlighting her ability to cross genres with ease. The Ray Bryant Combo, a jazz ensemble led by pianist Ray Bryant, provides a sophisticated and dynamic backdrop for Franklin's powerful voice.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Won't Be Long," which was released as a single and became a minor hit, reaching number 7 on the R&B charts. The song is a lively, upbeat number that showcases Franklin's energetic vocal delivery and hints at the soul powerhouse she would soon become. Another notable track is "Love Is the Only Thing," which demonstrates her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with listeners on a personal level.
Critics at the time recognized Franklin's immense talent, though the album itself did not achieve the commercial success that her later works would. However, it laid the groundwork for her future recordings and helped establish her as a rising star in the music industry. The production, led by John Hammond, who was instrumental in discovering and nurturing Franklin's early career, is polished and allows her voice to shine.
Listening to "Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo" today, it's clear that Franklin was already a force to be reckoned with, even if she was still finding her unique sound. The album is a testament to her versatility and her ability to interpret a wide range of material, from the bluesy "Right Now" to the tender "Over the Rainbow."
While "Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo" may not have received the same level of acclaim as her later albums, such as "I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You" or "Lady Soul," it remains an important part of her discography. It captures a young Aretha Franklin at the beginning of her journey, full of promise and potential.
In retrospect, this album is a fascinating piece of music history, offering insight into the early development of one of the greatest voices of all time. For fans of Aretha Franklin, "Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo" is a must-listen, providing a deeper understanding of her roots and the early influences that shaped her iconic sound. It's a reminder of the raw talent and passion that would soon take the world by storm and solidify her place as the "Queen of Soul."