Roberta Flack's debut album, titled First Take in true underachiever fashion, introduced a singer who'd assimilated the powerful interpretive talents of Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan, the earthy power of Aretha Franklin, and the crystal purity and emotional resonance of folksingers like Judy Collins. Indeed, the album often sounded more like vocal jazz or folk than soul, beginning with the credits: a core quartet of Flack on piano, John Pizzarelli on guitar, Ron Carter on bass, and Ray Lucas on drums, as fine a lineup as any pop singer could hope to recruit. Limited clear vinyl. Tracklist: Compared To What 5:15 Angelitos Negros 6:55 Our Ages Or Our Hearts 6:09 I Told Jesus 6:08 Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye 4:07 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 5:21 Tryin' Times 5:07 Ballad Of The Sad Young Men 7:03
