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LP – 180 Gram Vinyl
Released in August 1963, Night Beat stands as a masterpiece of intimacy and soul, showcasing the unmatched artistry of Sam Cooke in his prime. Recorded over three late-night sessions at RCA Victor Studios in Hollywood, this tenth studio album captures the magic of Cooke and his talented ensemble in a raw, spontaneous setting.
The album owes its name to the nocturnal atmosphere of its creation, with Cooke and a quartet of studio musicians crafting the songs in February 1963. Among them were pianist Ray Johnson, 16-year-old prodigy Billy Preston on organ, jazz legend Barney Kessel on lead guitar, and alternating drummers Hal Blaine and Ed Hall, alongside rhythm guitarist René Hall and bassists Cliff Hils and Clif White. The result is a collection that brims with emotional depth and musical nuance, drawing the listener into its moody, soulful embrace.
Critics have hailed Night Beat as one of Cooke’s finest works and the album’s legacy has only grown with time. In 2007, The Guardian placed it on their list of 1000 Albums to Hear Before You Die, noting: “Cooke brought a spiritual intensity to every cute mainstream confection he recorded, but his beautiful voice was never more mesmerizing than on this hushed and gracious final album.”
A cornerstone of Sam Cooke’s discography, Night Beat remains a timeless testament to his ability to channel raw emotion into unforgettable music.
Tracklist:
| A | Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen | 03:22 |
| A | Lost And Lookin’ | 02:09 |
| A | Mean Old World | 03:44 |
| A | Please Don’t Drive Me Away | 02:21 |
| A | I Lost Everything | 03:19 |
| A | Get Yourself Another Fool | 04:00 |
| B | Little Red Rooster | 02:50 |
| B | Laughin’ And Clownin’ | 03:34 |
| B | Trouble Blues | 03:18 |
| B | You Gotta Move | 02:35 |
| B | Fool’s Paradise | 02:32 |
| B | Shake Rattle And Roll | 03:22 |
SECOND RECORDS is a label of I-DI GmbH