Very Best of Harry Belafonte [RCA] (CD - 2001)

Personnel includes: Harry Belafonte (vocals); Henri Rene, Bob Corman, Ralph Hunter (conductor); Millard Thomas, Frantz Casseus, Victor Messer, Laurindo Almeida (guitar); Hugo Winterhalter & His Orchestra.

Producers include: Dave Kapp, Henri Rene, Dennis Farnon, Ed Welker, Joe Carlton.

Compilation producer: Paul Williams.

Recorded between 1952 & 1961. Includes liner notes by Joseph F. Laredo.

Digitally remastered by Mike Harty & Bill Lacey.

Released in 2001, this 22-track compilation presents many of the finest 1950s and early-'60s recordings by the "King of Calypso," Harry Belafonte. Although the soulful Jamaican-born singer/actor ventured into various musical genres, the set remains largely focused on Belafonte's island-themed pop songs, most notably the boisterous "Day-O (Banana Boat)" and the lilting "Jamaica Farewell." There are occasional exceptions, though, such as his elegant take on Leadbelly's blues classic "Cotton Fields." For those wanting only one Belafonte disc in their music collection, this is it. minimize