Cooke, Sam
Night Beat (clear)
Esteemed soul crooner Sam Cooke achieved much in a short space of time, notching 29 top-40 singles in his seven-year solo career. On Night Beat, released in 1963, Rene Halls tasteful arrangements allow Cookes voice to shine, most notably on Lost And Lookin; jump blues standards Shake Rattle And Roll and Little Red Rooster are playfully rendered, with Billy Prestons organ on the latter. Originals Mean Old World and Laughin And Clownin remind of his strong song-writing ability and his spirited take of Nobody Knows The Trouble Ive Seen recalled his days with the Soul Stirrers. A prime album for all Cooke fans!