Oscar Brown, Jr.'s debut recording is a true classic. A brilliant lyricist, a dramatic singer, and a highly individual genius in his own way, Brown performed a dozen memorable selections for this album. His lyrics to Work Song, Watermelon Man, Afro-Blue, and particularly Dat Dere are famous; But I Was Cool and Signifyin' Money are humorous; Bid 'Em In is a chilling depiction of a slave auction; and Rags and Old Iron is quite touching. Essential music from an underrated great. [In addition to the original program, a 1996 CD reissue added five previously unreleased selections from the same sessions (most of which were later remade), including four from the Brown musical Kicks and Company.]