Oscar Brown, Jr.’s debut recording is a true classic. A brilliant lyricist, a dramatic singer, and a highly individual genius in his own way, Brown performed a dozen memorable selections for this album. His lyrics to “Work Song,” “Watermelon Man,” “Afro-Blue,” and particularly “Dat Dere” are famous; “But I Was Cool” and “Signifyin’ Money” are humorous; “Bid ‘Em In” is a chilling depiction of a slave auction; and “Rags and Old Iron” is quite touching. Essential music from an underrated great. [In addition to the original program, a 1996 CD reissue added five previously unreleased selections from the same sessions (most of which were later remade), including four from the Brown musical Kicks and Company.] – Scott Yanow