Esther Phillips From A Whisper To A Scream
Description
One of Esther Phillips finest ‘70s releases, From a Whisper to a Scream is the first of seven albums the singer recorded for CTI offshoot Kudu. Arranged and conducted by Pee Wee Ellis, the December 1971 session also involved principal players such as bassist Gordon Edwards, drummer Bernard Purdie, percussionist Airto, guitarists Cornell Dupree and Eric Gale, keyboardist Richard Tee, and saxophonists Hank Crawford and David Liebman.
Setting the tone for Phillips’ Kudu era, Whisper offers a series of spacious, yet fully arranged ballads of burning heartache, along with a handful of relatively funky numbers that do nothing to compromise her talent, dishing out loads of classy grit. It’s a definite point of departure from the likes of Esther Phillips Sings and And I Love Him, her field of contemporaries closer to Al Green and Aretha Franklin than before. She grabs onto “Home Is Where the Hatred Is,” Gil Scott-Heron’s most harrowing rumination on drug dependency — which, at that point, wasn’t even a year old — as if it were her very own, and it’s all the more poignant given its parallels with her own life. (It’s meaning was only compounded by her death in 1984.)
Though there is absolutely nothing lacking in the album’s more energetic moments, it’s still the ballads that shine brightest, like the alternately fragile and explosive “From a Whisper to a Scream” (Allen Toussaint) and a staggering “Baby, I’m for Real” (Marvin and Anna Gordy, made popular by the Originals) so vulnerable yet commanding that it really should’ve closed the album.
Andy Kellman/AMG
- Stereo recording
- Re-mastering by: Ray Staff at Air Mastering, Lyndhurst Hall, London
- Handling Note: **Please allow an additional 5 business days for this item's shipment.**
- Internal ID: JIT
- Genre: Jazz
- Format Detail: LP Black
- Format: Vinyl
Shipping and Returns
Domestic U.S. Standard Shipping: Arrives within 5-7 business days.
International Shipping: We ship to many countries worldwide.
Delivery times and costs depend on the destination and the shipping method selected.
Please note, international customers are responsible for any customs, duties and taxes.
Upgraded Shipping services are available upon request.
Please email mark@musicrecordshop.com for more information.
Order Processing
Orders are ordinarily handled inside 1-2 business days. You will get a confirmation email upon shipment with a tracking number.
Shipping Rates
Shipping charges are based on the weight of your order and the selected shipping method at checkout. We strive to offer competitive shipping rates for the best value.
Free Shipping
We offer free standard shipping on domestic orders on selected packs and vinyl offerings.
Returns and Exchanges
Please contact us with any return or exchange requests.
Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675
Return Policy
Returns are accepted within 7 days of product delivery.
New vinyl must be unopened and unplayed, unless there is concealed damage.
Used vinyl is graded for vinyl and jacket condition. Please contact us directly if there is a problem.
Signed vinyl records cannot be returned unless they are damaged or defective.
Sleeves and LP Mailers can be returned within 7 days.
Please contact us with any return issue.
Email: mark@muscirecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675
Return Process
Contact Us: To initiate a return, email us at mark@musicrecordshop.com or call us at 314.675.8675. Include your order number and product issue.
Ship the Item: Pack the item securely for return.
Refunds: A refund will be issued after we receive and inspect your returned item.
You will receive an email notification of the refund.
Exchanges: If you need to exchange an item, please contact us.
Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675.
Return Shipping
Customers are responsible for return delivery costs except if the item is damaged. Please contact us if you need a return label.
Email: mark@musicrecordshop.com
Phone: 314.675.8675