Charles Brown - Collection 1947-57 (2020)

Charles Brown was a blues and R&B singer and pianist who was one of the most admired performers of his era, both for his performances as lead singer with The Three Blazers and for his solo work. His smooth, classy phrasing and intonation and his easy-paced night club-flavoured style gave his recordings a distinctive sound which set him apart from the harder-edged R&B material of these years although his mellow approach made it hard for him to compete after rock n roll changed the pop landscape in the mid-50s. This great value 50-track 2-CD set contains some of his later recordings with Johnny Moores Three Blazers on the Exclusive label where he was specifically credited on the record label, but primarily comprises selected A & B sides he recorded for Aladdin through to 1957. It naturally features all his 12 solo chart entries during this era, including the R&B No. 1s Trouble Blues and Black Night, the Top 5 hits Get Yourself Another Fool, In The Evening When The Sun Goes Down, Homesick Blues and Seven Long Days, and the Top 10 hits A Long Time, My Babys Gone, Ill Always Be In Love and Hard Times. It includes recordings where he performs with his trio, with Johnny Moores Three Blazers and with larger bands, including recording with the Ernie Freeman Combo in New Orleans. Its a feast of top-class uptown blues, and a fine showcase for his exceptional talents.