Roberta Flack – First Take

Roberta Flack – First Take

Roberta Flack’s First Take is a landmark debut that established her as one of the most distinctive voices in soul, jazz and folk-infused R&B. Originally released by Atlantic Records in 1969, the album combines Flack’s understated piano playing and intimate vocals with sophisticated arrangements, creating a deeply atmospheric record that remains essential listening for fans of classic soul, jazz and singer-songwriter music.

Recorded at Atlantic Studios in New York in February 1969 in an remarkably short ten-hour session, First Take captures Flack and her musicians performing with an immediacy that gives the album much of its enduring power. Her backing musicians included legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter, guitarist John Pizzarelli and drummer Ray Lucas, with additional horn and string arrangements adding depth to Flack’s spacious, emotionally charged performances.

The album opens with the politically charged Compared To What, a Gene McDaniels composition delivered with a striking combination of jazz, soul and gospel-inspired intensity. Other highlights include the haunting Angelitos Negros, the Leonard Cohen composition Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye, and the beautiful Tryin' Times, co-written by Donny Hathaway and Leroy Hutson.

The defining moment is undoubtedly Flack’s extraordinary interpretation of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Although the original album initially made little commercial impact, the song was later featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. Its subsequent release as a single transformed the song into a worldwide hit, sending it to number one in the US and helping First Take itself reach the top of both the Billboard album and R&B charts in 1972.

With its blend of soul, jazz, folk, blues and R&B, First Take is a sophisticated and deeply soulful vinyl classic. Essential for fans of Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone, Etta James and classic Atlantic soul, this is an outstanding addition to any 1960s soul, jazz or R&B vinyl collection.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Compared To What – 5:15
2. Angelitos Negros – 6:55
3. Our Ages Or Our Hearts – 6:09
4. I Told Jesus – 6:08

Side B

1. Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye – 4:07
2. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – 5:21
3. Tryin' Times – 5:07
4. Ballad Of The Sad Young Men – 7:03