Odetta Sings

Odetta Sings is the 1970 album by Odetta. It is her only album on Polydor Records and no longer out of print.

The album was recorded with a large number of well-known session musicians and special guests, and contained a significant amount of contemporary material, including work by Randy Newman, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, Elton John and the Rolling Stones.

Reception

Allmusic stated in their review "Only two songs are written by Odetta herself, "Hit or Miss" and "Movin' It On," which is a shame since they are by far the best tracks of the album. Odetta's deep, dark, warm voice distinguishes her from most soul singers, and these two songs give an idea of what it could have sounded like had she decided to release a real soul album..."

Track listing

1. "Take Me to the Pilot" (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) – 2:53
2. "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" (Randy Newman) – 2:53
3. "Every Night" (Paul McCartney) – 3:02
4. "Hit or Miss" (Odetta Gordon) – 2:52
5. "Give a Damn" (Bob Dorough, Stu Scharf) – 3:08
6. "My God and I" (Buckly Wilkin) – 4:28
7. "Lo and Behold" (James Taylor) – 2:58
8. "Bless the Children" (Don Cooper) – 2:24
9. "No Expectations" (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards) – 3:25
10. "Movin' It On" (Odetta Gordon) – 2:32

Personnel

• Odetta – vocals, guitar
• Carole King – piano
• Barry Beckett – keyboards
• Roger Hawkins – drums
• John Boylan – guitar
• Russ Kunkel – drums
• Bernie Leadon – guitar
• Eddie Hinton – guitar
• David Hood – bass
• Merry Clayton – background vocals
• Venetta Fields – background vocals
• Clydie King – background vocals
• Sherlie Matthews – background vocals
• Bob West – bass
• Jimmie Haskell – strings arrangements

References