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Joan Baez - Joan Baez Audio CD

A fair review of the Joan Baez "Joan Baez" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Joan Baez reviews here, or go back to the Joan Baez tabs.

Joan Baez Band: Joan Baez
Title: Joan Baez
Rating:
Release Date: 2001-08-14
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Silver Dagger 2: East Virginia 3: Fare Thee Well (10,000 Miles) 4: House of the Rising Sun 5: All My Trails 6: Wildwood Flower 7: Donna Donna 8: John Riley 9: Rake and Rambling Boy 10: Little Moses 11: Mary Hamilton 12: Henry Martin 13: El Preso Numero Nueve 14: Girl Of Constant Sorrow 15: I Know You Rider 16: John Riley

Heartfelt Favorite
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. Could it possibly be nearly fifty years since I first heard this album? I was smitten with Joan Baez the minute I heard her impeccably pure voice and have been a life long fan ever since. She was performing barefoot long before Cesária Évora. I have seen her in concert and her presence and charisma are striking. In terms of her impact on world peace and non-violence, I put her in the same category as Martin Luther King and Ghandi. I am so gratified that this album has been reissued. What bittersweet memories of the early sixties it brings back.


This is THE folk album to get...
. . 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. .


Baez's Voice Works Better On Some Songs Than Others
Compare that to the terrible schlock that most teen-agers listen to nowadays. It's impressive that at only 19 years of age Joan had the capacity to appreciate the classic songs on this record. So, yes, her song choice is outstanding and Baez no doubt played a role in bringing these great songs to a wider audience.

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. Joan's technically gifted soprano has a lofty and elegant tone that works well on songs like "Mary Hamilton" and "Henry Martin". But on the Appalachian tunes "Wildwood Flower" and "East Virginia" I much prefer the warm and rootsy Carter Family versions. I also admire Baez's gutsy willingness to offer a "female perspective" on "House Of the Rising Sun". But her lyrics are mediocre compared to the brillance of the original.

I still consider this a worthy purchase for the English and Scottish ballads. But would encourage listeners to seek out other versions for the American folk and country songs.


It's All Here
Kasten: "History's ear hasn't been kind. I used to feel strongly along the lines of Mr. . . " But as I listen to Joan on her 68th birthday, there is indeed something else going on here. 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. Baez' ballads lack for nothing. The fact is that it's all here. It's all intact at 19 years old. The woman is amazing. Listen again.


Joan Baez at her best
It was on vinyl of course and didn't survive the many playings I gave it. I had a copy of this when I was a young man back in the '60s. I believe it was done in a very unpretentious way highlighting an extremely talented young folk singer. She of course went on to become a singing superstar but this is the definitive Joan Baez for me.


You can see a complete list of all Joan Baez discography, or go back to the Joan Baez tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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