Cassandra Wilson - Blue Light 'Til Dawn - 2 x 180g Vinyl LPs

2022

Cassandra Wilson's 1993 Blue Note debut, Blue Light 'Til Dawn, wove a tapestry of jazz, blues, folk, and R&B into a singular sound that opened new avenues of expression for vocal jazz. Produced by Craig Street, the album's inventive instrumentation, plus Wilson's riveting vocals, transformed songs by Robert Johnson, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and more.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is mastered by Kevin Gray and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

AMG Review by Ron Wynn

Cassandra Wilson has steadfastly refused to be pigeonholed or confined to any stylistic formula. Her highly anticipated Blue Note debut may stir renewed controversy, as she is once again all over the place. She begins the set with her intriguing version of "You Don't Know What Love Is." Then she moves from two Robert Johnson covers ("Come on in My Kitchen" and "Hellhound on My Trail") through rock compositions from Van Morrison and Joni Mitchell, her own title track, blues cut "Redbone," and a piercing version of "I Can't Stand the Rain" that can hold up to comparisons with Ann Peebles' classic. She doesn't have Johnson's menacing quality (who does?), but does invoke an equally compelling air. Wilson has great timing, pacing, and delivery, and certainly has blues sensibility in her sound.