Maya Angelou - Miss Calypso

Digitally remastered release of this rare album from the artist known primarily as a poet, activist and best selling author. She is far less known for her early career as a singer. In 1957, at the age of 27, she made her only sung album to date, Miss Calypso, which consisted of quite respectable calypso songs. Very much in line with Harry Belafonte's recordings of this period, and no doubt made with the same lightly subversive civil rights agenda, the album features sparse backing from guitarist Tommy Tedesco (Top L.A. session musician of the '50s and '60s, best known as a Phil Spector collaborator) and Al Bello (on congas, bongos, and drums), as well as Miss Angelou's surprisingly effective singing voice. Miss Angelou also wrote half the songs on the album. Rev-Ola. 2009.