Belafonte brought ‘world’ music to the masses, starting with ‘Calypso.’ … By the time these two benefit concerts were performed on April 19th and 20th 1959, Belafonte had amassed a catalog of hits familiar to a wide swath of Americans. … One can argue that originals are the best but not here. No way! Unlike the original pressings mastered from 2-track mix down from the 3-track original tape, Classic Records’ reissue on both 33 1/3 and single-sided 45 RPM records and this new mastering are sourced directly from the 3-track tape. … However, while I didn’t think there was more to get from the tape than what Bernie Grundman got for Classic Records, I think Ryan K. Smith and the Sterling team have done just that, showcased by the utter black QRP backgrounds.
| Act 1: The Moods of the American Negro |
| Introduction – Darlin’ Cora |
| Sylvie |
| Cotton Fields |
| John Henry |
| Take My Mother Home |
| The Marching Saints |
| Act 2: In The Caribbean |
| Day O |
| Jamaica Farewell |
| Man Piaba |
| All My Trials |
| Mama Look A Boo Boo |
| Come Back Liza |
| Man Smart |
| Act 3: Round The World |
| Hava Nageela |
| Danny Boy |
| Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma |
| Shenandoah |
| Matilda |