Erik Darling

Eric Darling | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 21, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collector's Choice
• ASIN: B000BR6DCG
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,945 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Member of the Tarriers, leader of the Rooftop Singers and replacement for Pete Seeger in the Weavers, Erik Darling has long been a mainstay in the folk scene, albeit one more famous for the groups he’s been in than for his solo recordings. However, this album, recorded for Elektra in the late ‘50s when he was in both the Tarriers and the Weavers, reveals a folksinger quite comfortable stepping out from the group setting into the solo spotlight, as he plays unaccompanied guitar and banjo and sings sans harmony. Another CD debut, another Collectors’ Choice Music exclusive!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Portent of Things To Come, March 22, 2006

By 

Michael Kac (St. Paul, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Erik Darling (Audio CD)

Cognoscenti from the late 50's and early 60's know Erik Darling as one of the premier folksingers of the period, though he tended to stay in the background - as a group member (the Tarriers, the Weavers, the Rooftop Singers) and as a session musician on too many recordings to list. Originally released in 1958, shortly after he joined the Weavers, this disc is the first of a small number of solo outings. Although his next two - 'True Religion' and 'Train Time', both on Vanguard - are far superior, this one offers a fascinating look at a master in the making just before the mastery fully manifested itself. The sound quality isn't great, though -- the record sounds like it was made in a living room (which, for all I know, it was).

Particular highlights include 'Cumberland Mountain Bear Chase, 'Hard Luck Blues' and 'The Boll Weevil'. It's good to see this disc back in circulation. Now, when are we going to see re-releases of the two Vanguard records?

PS: The second voice heard on the last selection, 'Candy Man', is Erik's wife Joan, who moved from New York cabaret comedy to television, becoming the Emmy-winning director responsible for many of the medium's finest hours (and half hours).

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Folk Revival Album, August 11, 2011

By 

David Gedalecia "DGed" (Wooster, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Erik Darling (Audio CD)

Rather than compare Erik Darling's work with later albums, and with his work as a member of the Weavers, Tarriers or Rooftop Singers, let's evaluate this recording on its own merits. It is quite simply an excellent recording, and it was a much sought after LP among those interested in playing folk music when it was issued in 1958. This is not at all surprising. Erik Darling is in fine, thoughtful form in doing classics such as "Aboline" and "Swannanoa Tunnel," which reveal his considerable talents finger picking guitar (on the former) and picking understated yet skillful banjo (on the latter). There is a genuine quality to what he does on this recording, which was refreshing, especially in light of much of what the pop-schlock folk performers produced soon after. It's a good buy.