Customer Reviews

After the Lights Go Down Low

5 star:		(4)
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I like this cd because Al Hibbler phrasing of the lyrics makees his songs easy to listen to, similar to Frank Sinatra. You You get the feeling that you there in person listening to him sing.

Al Hibbler knows how to punch it out and this CD takes you to the night clubs of the past with gentlemen in French cuffs and ladies dressed to please. A lady just couldn't pay for her own drink with Hibbler singing. The entire CD gives a fun lift to the type of musice that often can become as depressing as being the last one at the bar at closing time. Highly recommneded.

Blind from birth, bitter about racial problems, and in possession of a voice on a par with Billy Eckstine and Arthur Prysock-nobody wanted to record Al Hibbler despite early chart success with "Unchained Melody", "He", and "After the Lights Go Down Low". Following his civil rights arrests in the 1950's and 60's there were few gigs, no airplay and no contracts. Only one man would step up to record Al Hibbler. That individual was Frank Sinatra and his Reprise Records.
Hibbler's great delivery ranks him with the "big" singers of any generation. Even his fake British accent (on "After the Lights" & other songs) can't detract from the smooth and powerful vocals delivered by a man who should have been a "giant" in the music business. Hey, why not make a movie about Al Hibbler's life?

When I first bought this I was a little disappointed. I was searching for the brassy version of Al Hibbler's classic After The Lights Go Down Low that was a pop hit in the 1950's. Turns out that recording is not here (it is on the 2-album set Starring/Here's Hibbler.) Instead this is a pleasantly mellow collection of tunes (including an earlier somewhat less polished version of the title track) that has really grown on me. These songs are all in the traditional songbook style though not many are well known. A few tracks, such as the opening Dedicated To You feature a full big band arrangement while others such as Old Folks are sparsely accoustic with piano and a light rhythm section. I consider this perfect mood music. Great for listening late at night by oneself and I suspect, as the cover photo suggests, also ideal for sharing with intimate company. Two of my favorite tracks are the spritely Song Of The Wanderer, and the absolutely haunting Autumn Winds. This album turned me on to Hibbler's unique vocal style. I have since delved even further into Hibbler's catalog, but I keep coming back here again and again.