| For the Night People | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1966 | |||
| Recorded | Mid 1966 | |||
| Genre | Vocal jazz, traditional pop | |||
| Length | 33 Minutes | |||
| Label | Liberty | |||
| Producer | Calvin Carter | |||
| Julie London chronology | ||||
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For the Night People is an LP album by Julie London, released by Liberty Records under catalog number LRP-3478 as a monophonic recording and catalog number LST-7478 in stereo in 1966.
For the Night People marks a continuation of Julie London's return to more fitting arrangements, building on the groundwork laid in her previous album, All Through the Night. The album, produced by Calvin Carter, a key figure in the founding of the VeeJay label known for its R&B and blues repertoire, steers clear of the cheesy choruses and overblown orchestral backing that had characterized some of London’s earlier work. Instead, the album leans into a more subdued and intimate style, though it does not fully embrace the newer pop and soul trends of the time.
The album’s musical landscape is characterized by its focus on mood music, with a heavy emphasis on slow, atmospheric tracks that create a subdued and contemplative listening experience. Don Bagley, who handled the album’s arrangements, chose to lean heavily on a minimalistic trio of guitar, bass, and strings. This decision, while well-suited to the album’s tone, lacks the inventive flair of London’s earlier collaborations with the Bud Shank Quintet or the sophisticated arrangements that marked her 1950s work.
One of the album's standout elements is London’s vocal approach, particularly her treatment of classic tracks like "Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey," where she transforms the typically upbeat tune into a languid, melancholic piece, accompanied by a solitary guitar. This reinterpretation strips away the jazz swing, which she had previously done in her 1959 album Swing Me An Old Song in favor of a more soulful, introspective performance, reflecting Carter’s subtle influence from the R&B genre. London’s vocals on "Saturday Night (Is the Loneliest Night in the Week)," a song made famous by Frank Sinatra, are similarly slowed down, with a soul-inflected delivery that highlights her lower register and showcases her impeccable phrasing.
"God Bless the Child," features an evocative string introduction that sets the stage for London’s relaxed yet deeply expressive vocal performance. However, as the album progresses into Side 2, the arrangements and vocal performances lose some of their earlier energy and focus. Tracks like "Am I Blue?" and "Dream" are presented as mood pieces, with the latter starting with a mildly futuristic sound effect.
The album closes on a strong note with "I'll Never Smile Again," another song associated with Sinatra. Here, Bagley’s arrangement becomes more incisive, and London’s performance is more engaged, with the guitar break adding a dynamic element that enhances the song’s emotional resonance.
From a production standpoint, the album is characterized by clear and natural sonics, though London’s voice has a slightly echoey quality that adds a layer of distance to the recordings. The stereo presentation is unusually narrow, with a strong center fill that makes a Mono pressing unnecessary. The Japanese mini LP pack CD from Toshiba (TOCJ 9686) offers a digital version of the album, preserving these characteristics.
