Audio CD review:
John Wesley Harding - Trad Arr Jones

John Wesley Harding - Trad Arr Jones

Band: John Wesley Harding Title: Trad Arr Jones Rating: Release Date: 1999-02-23 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: The Singer's Request 2: Little Musgrave 3: The Golden Glove 4: Annachie Gordon 5: The Flandyke Shore 6: William and Nancy's Parting 7: William Glenn 8: The Bonny Bunch of Roses 9: Master Kilby 10: Annan Water 11: Isle of France

One of the best songs ever recorded I have heard several versions of it previously, most notably Joan Baez' version, but I was captivated by this version the moment I heard it. John Wesley Harding gives us his rendition of The Little Musgrave on this CD. He gives a depth of emotion to the song that lasts long after it is over (one of those things that has to be experienced). This version is a bit more stark and realistic - and poignant as the dickens!! Oh yeah. . . he has some other nice songs on there as well. . . :) But seriously, get the album, if only for that one song - it is well worth it! Interestingly, Harding does not read a lick of sheet music - just plays. So. . give it a listen - let me know what you think. . . I highly recommend! All the best, Jay. Punk sings Childe ballads, seaman songs, and other folk Think Elvis Costello or a young Graham Parker singing Childe ballads, seaman songs, English plainsong, and folk rounds with spare accompaniment (variously guitar, mandolin, accordion). Instant goose bumps. Think punks singing their tattoos away at the end of a night of beery-good fellowship. Think Manchester street toughs finding grace and a way home to a world before machines, struggling wity heightened human feelings of yearning, frailty, heartbreak, and about death. Think a regular guy finding English folk in his blood, but no standard folk way to let it out. Tracks 12-15 use a full electric band and are characteristic of his other work. But they work well here too. [73:18] . This CD is better in its case than in the player Wes is off-key in many of the songs, and his voice is unconvincing and irregular. A total waste of possible talent, this CD is just awful on so many levels. In theory this album is a good idea, but the execution is so painful. I've really tried to get into this CD, but in the end, I taped it to the ceiling in my office, so nobody has to listen to it. Mesmerizing These songs are incredible, giving credit to Nic Jones, and the interpretations are wonderful as well. I have been a fan of Wes for years, but this album exceeded my expectations. Now I want to go get more of the original work of Nic Jones, if it weren't out of print. Buy this album - you won't regret it. A real gem So different, a wonderful story line, perfectly executed. I first heard Litle Musgrave on KPFT, Houston Community Radio, on the way to work. I immediately ordered two copies of the CD, one for myself, one for my son-in-law as a Christmas present. The entire repertoire on this album is to the same high standard as Little Musgrave. This has been a wonderful introduction to the Nic Jones style and I shall be delving further into this type of music. Highly recommended!. You can see a complete list of all John Wesley Harding discography, or go back to the John Wesley Harding tabs