Mastered by Bernie Grundman - 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl - Pressed in RTI
Jac Holzman oversaw this reissue, with Bruce Botnick transferring the fragile old tape at 192/24 bit and Bernie Grundman cutting lacquers. Nothing was done to the tape. It was a straight transfer and sounds so (though an AAA cut for comparison's sake would have been interesting!).The monophonic sound is full, warm, rich and three-dimensional. I didn't have an original with which to compare the reissue but few originals of that era sound this full and warm. I'd wager the original is brighter, thinner and more "metallic" sounding, though probably somewhat more transparent. Lights down and played at the appropriate level you'll travel back sixty years in time and feel as if you're in the church. Stoughton Press Tip-On jacket and RTI 180 gram pressing make this a deluxe reissue done right - Sound 9/10 Music 9/10 Michael Fremer analogplanet.com
Josh At Midnight can best be summed up by the man who was there, Jac Holzman: "Sixty Years later, it dazzles with the radiance of a great artist, thoughtfully recorded, whose contribution is unchallenged, and firmly set in the bedrock of American vernacular music."
60th Anniversary vinyl reissue of Josh White's seminal 1956 album!
One of Elektra Records' top-selling titles throughout the next decade
Mastered for vinyl by Bernie Grundman in Hollywood, Calif.
Stoughton Printing old-style tip-on jacket
New liner notes by Jac Holzman, production supervisor and founder of Elektra Records
"The incredible Josh White, at the absolute peak of his powers! Universally acclaimed as Josh's very finest album." — Jac Holzman, founder and president of Elektra Records 1950-1974
"My earliest (musical) memories are of things like 'One Meat Ball' by Josh White." — George Harrison
"Josh White was an excellent player in the piedmont tradition with a melodious voice." — Bill Wyman
The 12 tracks on At Midnight reveal why this magnetic performer had such a big influence on both folk singers and blues artists. His most famous number, "One Meat Ball" is here with "St. James Infirmary," as well as "Jesus Gonna Make Up My Dyin' Bed" "Number Twelve Train" and more!
Josh White was the artist most responsible for introducing African-American blues, folk and work songs to white America and the rest of the world. He was also the first popular recording artist to write and record songs of social conscience. His seminal recordings from 1928 through 1947, combined with his innovative guitar techniques, musical arrangements, and his mesmerizing on-stage performances, pioneered the way for future artists.
White was the first African American artist to give a White House Command Performance in 1941. He was also the first to perform in previously segregated hotels and the first to earn a million-selling record "One Meatball" in 1944. In 1945 Josh became the first black artist to make a solo concert tour of America.
White went on to become a star of film and Broadway. He was a friend to kings and queens, and one of the closest black confidants and advisors to President Roosevelt for black social reforms.
1. St. James Infirmary
2. Raise a Rukus
3. Scandalize My Name
4. Jesus Gonna Make Up My Dyin' Bed
5. Timber (Jerry The Mule)
6. Jelly, Jelly
7. One Meat Ball
8. Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho
9. Don't Lie Buddy
10. Number Twelve Train
11. Peter
12. Takin' Names
