More William Warfield Recordings

I promised another early recording by the great bass-baritone William Warfield, and here it is. This brief collection of songs of folk origin or folk influence was recorded in May 1952 in Columbia's 30th Street Studio, and issued in the label's low-priced AAL series. I don't believe it has been reissued - a pity; it's superb.

The cover is likely a reflection of both Warfield's then-fame from his portrayal of Joe in the 1951 film version of Show Boat, as well as the repertoire.

William Warfield

The conductor for this record is the estimable Lehman Engel. It's possible, even likely, that he authored the arrangements.

A few comments on the contents:

"Deep River" is an anonymous spiritual of African American origin. It has been used in several films, including the 1929 film version of Show Boat, although it was not in the stage production. This and two other songs on this record had also been recorded by Paul Robeson, one of Warfield's acknowledged inspirations.

"Water Boy" apparently originated as a work song. This version is apparently based on the arrangement made by Avery Robinson for Roland Hayes (another Warfield inspiration), although that arrangement was for piano and this is an orchestral arrangement. (I also have an odd version of the song recorded by Clara Rockmore on theremin.)

"Without a Song," a show tune with music by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Billy Rose and Edward Eliscu, is from 1929. It would seem to have been influenced by "Old Man River." (And I suppose this entire LP was an attempt to capitalize on Warfield's famous rendition.)

"Mah Lindy Lou" is a superb song by Lily Strickland, who was influenced by African-American songs she heard in the American South. The song was published in 1920, and Robeson and the operatic soprano Amelita Galli-Curci had popular versions (both are on YouTube).

"Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" is of course by the remarkable Stephen Foster, written in 1854.

"Dusty Road" has been claimed by two different songwriting teams - René and René and Parish and Perkins - which suggests that the song may have a folk origin. Its theme of enduring hard times on the path to an eternal reward is often found in the genre. Interestingly, the opening fanfare of the arrangement is influenced by the music written by English composers for nobility.

Leontyne Price and William Warfield

I mentioned in my previous Warfield post that he was in a famous production of Porgy and Bess with Leontyne Price. I've enclosed as a bonus their recording of "Bess, You Is My Woman Now" from that production. It was recorded live in Berlin in September 1952 - a few weeks after Warfield and Price were married.

Good sound on these fine recordings, now (June 2023) newly remastered in ambient stereo.