In this milestone 50th "proper" episode (63rd overall), Dan Woodard and Carl Carter delve into album #451 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time: Roberta Flack’s 1969 debut, First Take. The hosts explore the incredible pedigree of the classically trained, Arlington-raised prodigy who was discovered in the D.C. jazz scene. They discuss the album's legendary 10-hour recording session, the "masterclass in dynamics" provided by Flack and bassist Ron Carter, and how these eight covers—ranging from protest songs to folk ballads—defined a new standard for sophisticated adult contemporary music.
Key Points
- The "First Take" Magic: The album was reportedly recorded in just 10 hours with no overdubbing, capturing an organic, intimate "smoky jazz club" atmosphere that the hosts argue is best experienced on vinyl or high-quality monitors.
- A Powerhouse Backing Band: Exceptional praise is given to bassist Ron Carter, whose restraint and movement set the tone for the entire record, alongside subtle but effective orchestral arrangements by William S. Fischer.
- Vocal Mastery and Restraint: The hosts analyze Flack’s unique vocal style—characterized by perfect pitch, clear enunciation, and a deliberate lack of vibrato used as a tool for building intensity rather than a constant crutch.
- Social and Political Depth: Discussion highlights the heavy themes within the tracklist, including the anti-war/anti-racism protest of "Compared to What" and the civil rights indictment found in the Spanish-language "Angelitos Negros."
- The Hits and the Standards: While "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is recognized as the global standard that eventually hit #1, the hosts identify "I Told Jesus" and the groovy "Tried and Died" (a Donny Hathaway contribution) as the album's high-water marks.
- D.C. Roots: The episode pays homage to Flack's local ties to the DMV area, from her scholarship at Howard University to her nights performing at Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill while working as a school teacher.
Music References
Join us next week when we cover RAM by Paul and Linda McCartney.
