Customer Reviews

Big Judy: How Far This Music Goes (1962-2004)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, the only thing wrong with this compilation is that it doesn't contain everything Henske ever recorded. Yeah, yeah, it's got a lot of the best, but where's the driving "Ballad of Little Romy" (whose no-good boyfriend done her in), the playfully raunchy "Low-Down Alligator," and "Dropped Like a Dime" (THE best -- and most hummable -- song ever written about addiction)? Where's "Mad Dog Killer" and the aching "Betty and Dupree"? Oh, everything on here is really good, there's no question about that, but as with any anthology not subtitled "The Complete", decisions had to be made and some things had to be left out. Not that I'd have swapped out anything here, mind you, but another couple of discs would have been nice. Hey, isn't this the era of Greed? Again?

Nonetheless, this is probably the best compilation disc I've ever bought, in terms of variety, great songwriting and passionate singing that can strip the paint right off your heart. Besides, you can always buy the other discs later.

Being a fan of Judy's for 40 some odd years, I can only say "Bitchen" Judy. She is by far a performer one needs to experience. Her dynamic voice can only bring smiles to those that know good music. Judy stands alone, a much better singer than "Janis" with a range that is hard to discribe. All I can say is if you experienced Judy you know what I'm talking about...Rock on Judy!!

This is a remarkable collection. "How Far This Music Goes" is a perfect title. There's nothing that Judy Henske can't do; jazz stylist, blues belter, torch siren, acid queen, folkie. To classify her is impossible because she can do it all, and do it all with passion, humor, impeccable artistry and no-holds-barred talent.
You just can't classify her. File under "Fantastic Lady."

Two discs-61,75 minutes each approximately. The discs are snapped inside a smallish book-style holder. There's a pocket for the 22 page booklet. The booklet contains photos of Henske throughout her life, along with track by track commentary from Henske. There's also a good overview of Henke's albums and her music by Barry Alfonso. A discography of the tracks in this collection is also included. This is a numbered edition of 5,000, and at least 4,000 have already been purchased, so if you want it act quickly.

"Just singing, that was all I was interested in. I just wanted to come in and sing, and then go back to my life. I liked drifting". Judy Henske

Judy who? Information on Judy Henske (at least in books) is fairly negligible if not altogether missing. The two fine books about the Elektra Records label-"Follow The Music", and "Becoming Elektra"-are two ready sources of limited yet good information on Henske and her music. Cass Elliot (MAMAS AND THE PAPAS) based a lot of her own style on Henske. Carly Simon wanted to record for Elektra because of artists like Henske being on the label. But for an artist who was never classified in one pigeon hole, that's not surprising. Henske sang folk, blues, supper club, love, and any other styles she wanted. Her albums were never "hits"-from the beginning Henske seemed to be on the periphery of current musical styles. Record labels didn't know what to do with her. But that's okay. She has recorded a number of fine albums throughout her career, and still has a fan base of those in the know.

Beginning, on Disc One, with a couple of singles from 1962, and a song when she belonged in DAVE GUARD AND THE WHISKEYHILL SINGERS, and another from JUDY HENSKE AND THE WHISKEYHILL QUARTET, we hear her beginnings from her early stage. This collection contains tracks from the albums "Judy Henske", "High Flying Bird", "Little Bit of Sunshine....Little Bit of Rain", an unissued track from 1965, and six singles from 1966/67 on Reprise Records. A number of these songs continue to be some of Henske's most well known, favorite tracks from this era. But if you're a fan, virtually all her songs were worthwhile.

Disc Two has several tracks from "Farewell Aldebaran" (originally issued on Frank Zappa's Straight Records label-I still have my vinyl copy), a single from 1970, an unissued track from 1971, songs from "Rosebud", a demo, recorded in 1982, a number of songs from "Loose In The World", and "She Sang California", and ends with an unissued song from 2004. There's a number of very fine songs on this disc, especially from the "Loose...World", and "She Sang..." albums. The best of these songs show Henske hasn't lost her penchant for a good, well sung song.

Why Judy Henske has never reached a level of "popularity" is a mystery. This set is another example-I didn't know it existed until running across it accidentally. Henske just seems to float off the radar for most people. Possessed with a fine voice, and good, well arranged songs, she deserved better. Similar to Mickey Newbury or Fred Neil, Henske was a fine singer who, for whatever reason, never caught the public's attention. She has a big, expressive voice. When she opened her mouth her voice filled the room-it commanded your attention. She was no fey wallflower when she sang. She took a song and shook it, molded it, into her own individual style. But Henske was also capable of imparting great feeling from a song that required sensitivity. I remember hearing her through a friend of mine who was heavily into singer-songwriters back in the 1960's. I was impressed with her singing then and I'm still impressed with it now. This collection, while missing several great songs is a good overview of a unique singer with a great voice. Her albums (especially the early ones) are filled with great music. Listen and hear for yourself.