Customer Reviews

Erik Darling

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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).

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.