Ahh, Paul Robeson, a man whose voice is as timeless as it is powerful. As much as a political activist as he was a singer, Robeson (natually) helped the civil rights movement, protesting against imperialism and injustice and proudly supporting the USSR after numerous visits, declaring that they didn't have the institutionalised racism which was (and seemingly still is) prevailant in the US. His political activities though would damage his commercial career, leading to an almost complete erasure from twentieth century history until his death in the late seventies, where he once again began to be appreciated and aknowledged as a truely great man. One who would not bend to the whim of the elite, and would not sacrifice his principles at the risk of his career. Paul Robeson's a man I often mention as a personal hero, because of his inability to back down in the face of injustice, and because he was a man confident enough to speak his mind. but anyways, what we're here to do is talk about this music! My earliest recording on vinyl, 1936's 'I Still Suits me'.
I Still Suits Me comes from the musical production, Showboat, which really launched Robeson's career into the american mainstream, especially his soul breaking rendition of 'Old man River'. A beautiful relaxed string takes us into it, while Paul sings over in a faux hawaian style. Infact the track itself is very faux-island. Elizabeth Welch jumps in making this track a duet. They trade lines after the first verse, the light hearted airyness of the music contrasting the domestic arguement at the heart of the lyrics. Showing that despite the disagreements, the love is still there. A typical Hammerstein move, and we like it.
Side B features 'Just A Wearyin For You', written at the turn of the century and this rendition recorded in 1938. A soft romantic opening introduces us to Robeson's deep deep baritone voice crooning for his love. It's a very sentimental track, as typical of the time, but the man's powerful voice makes it truely timeless and gives it's gentle romanticism an almost biblical sense of feeling, this isn't just one man awaiting the return of his love, but Paul Robeson becomes everyman whose awaiting the return of their love.
It's a great little piece of history to have, two good songs sung by one of the greatest men in human history.
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