Aretha Franklin - The First 12 Sides, Clear Vinyl LP

Aretha Franklin - The First 12 Sides, Clear Vinyl LP

Before Aretha Franklin made her mark with stomping southern soul in the late 60s, she had already built a diverse career. Beginning as a gospel singer, she spent the early 60s recording in various genres, with mixed success. These early recordings with the Ray Bryant group present her as a jazz vocalist, reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald. Tracks like 'Ain't No Way' and 'Take a Look' capture her ability to blend effortless technique with deep emotion. The sessions are pristinely recorded with no overdubs, allowing Franklin's voice to shine in its purest form, proving her talent in jazz long before she became an icon of soul.