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Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald tear into your heart and soul with their voice. But if you're strong and you're not crying yet, and if you make it through "Fare Thee Well," "House of the Rising Sun" will surely make you well up with tears. "Donna Donna" is a classic folk song that Donovan would put on his debut record a few years later, but Joan does it better. Folk music isn't the Blues, but these are story songs too. A far cry from the way they record music now. Songs of love and hope, pain and despair. Joan Baez does too, but in a different kind of way. I've listened to Eric Burden's version of this song a lot, it's darn good, but Joan does it better.
These songs were given a new life when this record came out, because there is nothing in the world as pure as Joan's voice and her golden voice alone would make this one of the ten best records of 1960."Silver Dagger" tugs at your heart, as does "East Virginia". Joan almost makes you cry with these songs. According to Joan, this record was recorded in a hotel in upstate New York, just Joan and a couple mics. Too bad they haven't figured out how to make music this good with all their high tech stuff.
I have seen her in concert and her presence and charisma are striking. I was smitten with Joan Baez the minute I heard her impeccably pure voice and have been a life long fan ever since. Could it possibly be nearly fifty years since I first heard this album. In terms of her impact on world peace and non-violence, I put her in the same category as Martin Luther King and Ghandi. No other performer has gone to as many far corners of the earth (and faced death threats in Brazil and Argentina) to promote peace and human rights. She was performing barefoot long before Cesária Évora. I am so gratified that this album has been reissued. What bittersweet memories of the early sixties it brings back.
.nearly every girl singer to come out of the 60s was inspired by Joan Baez and countless singers covered these songs after her. You won't know folk or what the fuss was about without this album. Very essential.
It's impressive that at only 19 years of age Joan had the capacity to appreciate the classic songs on this record. I still consider this a worthy purchase for the English and Scottish ballads. Joan's technically gifted soprano has a lofty and elegant tone that works well on songs like "Mary Hamilton" and "Henry Martin".
So, yes, her song choice is outstanding and Baez no doubt played a role in bringing these great songs to a wider audience. I also admire Baez's gutsy willingness to offer a "female perspective" on "House Of the Rising Sun". Compare that to the terrible schlock that most teen-agers listen to nowadays.
But on the Appalachian tunes "Wildwood Flower" and "East Virginia" I much prefer the warm and rootsy Carter Family versions. But the truth is that her voice works better on some songs than others. I enjoy her singing more on the ballads, collected by Francis Child in the 19th century, that can be traced back to the British Isles.
But her lyrics are mediocre compared to the brillance of the original. But would encourage listeners to seek out other versions for the American folk and country songs.
The woman is amazing. The fact is that it's all here.
Kasten: "History's ear hasn't been kind." But as I listen to Joan on her 68th birthday, there is indeed something else going on here. I used to feel strongly along the lines of Mr.
Baez' ballads lack for nothing. I've recently heard Emmylou Harris' recording "How She Could Sing the Wildwood Flower." Baez' ".Flower" jolts me.
And also recently been listening to Sandy Denny. It's all intact at 19 years old.
Listen again.
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