Customer Reviews

Very Early Joan

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4 star:		(5)
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There are two reasons to have this particular collection from the fabulous "voice of a thousand birds" Joan Baez. The first is that it gives a lovely overview of some of her famous renditions of folk songs. Call it "important to your Joan Baez education". Every fan of Joan or of folk music should have her famous "Last Night I had the Strangest Dream" and "Silver Dagger", for example. Those aren't actually my favorite of her songs for some reason, but they're famous and you need to have them.

The other reason you need to have this album is this: "Where have all the flowers gone?" and "Pilgrim of Sorrow". Plain and simple - nobody should go through life without having heard her renditions of these two songs. They are superb.

Where Have all the Flowers Gone is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. And Joan's version is THE version to hear. You could buy this album just for that song, and you'd feel you'd spent your money wisely, because you'd keep hitting "repeat" on your CD player to hear it over and over and sing along.

Pilgrim of Sorrow, likewise, is shockingly powerful. Hearing Mahalia Jackson sing this song of Christian desperation is a spiritual experience. But hearing Joan Baez sing it is spectacular in its own way. Every startling note vibrates in your chest - her vocal range is unbelievable. The eruption of the notes themselves becomes the religious experience. It's incredible.

Folk music fans who buy this album for the famous collection of classics will be richly rewarded by the spectacular treat of owning those two particular, irreplaceable songs.

This is a compilation of twenty-two songs culled from about fifteen of her early live concerts, which were recorded between November 1961 and August 1963. The original double album had twenty four tracks, but the back of the cd liner explains that, due to compact disc format time restrictions, some songs on the original album are not included on the cd. The notes in the cd liner itself were written by Ms. Baez's mother for the original album.

On this cd, the listener will, indeed, be treated to early Joan Baez, accompanying herself on the guitar. As the songs are culled from her live performances, the listener will note the discernible adulation of the audiences throughout. Whether Ms. Baez is singing a traditional folksong, a folksong with political overtones, a duet with Peter Seeger, or a rock-n-roll parody, it is clear that the slightly insouciant Ms. Baez is enjoying herself, and it is infectious.

The quality of the cd is what one may expect from such an early, live recording, as it suffers from occasional lack of clarity and uneven volume, with the clapping of the audience throughout being louder than the song tracks. Still, this is certainly a cd to which some historical significance has attached, and one that all devoted fans of Ms. Baez will want to include in their collection, if only for her beautiful rendition of Peter Seeger's "Where Have All the Flowers Gone".

I think this is a magical CD - a real treasure.There is something both thrilling and soul-deep sad listening to Joan sing "Strangest Dream" to a live audience well before the Vietnam War knowing what was about to happen to the country. Historic. Joan's voice is beautiful, incredible, soothing, powerful. I highly recommend this cd - and what a bargain! These are my favorites:
Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream
Somebody Got Lost in a Storm
Water Is Wide
Freight Train
Railroad Bill
In the Pines
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
Hallowed Be Thy Name

While I do have to agree with the other review posted here concerning the sound quality, if you like Joan Baez, you'll simply fall in love with this compilation. Never has the pure sweetness of her lovely soprano sounded fresher than when she performs such little-known classics as Tears In My Eyes, In the Pines, and Twelve Gates To The City. Her duets with Pete Seeger will be collectors' items in the very near future. The fun songs, She's A Trouble Maker and Little Darlin' will brighten even the gloomiest days; and the fascinating Freight Train may well be the best cover of this old standard ever put down.

The liner notes, written by Joan's mother add an even more sentimental feeling to the collection. This CD belongs in every true Baez fan's library.

Bravo, Joan!

Although the sound quality is not what we'd expect today, the atmosphere of this early live recording of Joan Baez brings the music to life. She sings and performs in a relaxed mood at ease with the audience. Of special interest are the two duets with Pete Seeger - Lonesome Valley and The Riddle Song. This is the protest song movement of the sixties at its birth and, of course, there's Joan's wonderful soprano voice. She even mimics the pop performers of the day. Listen to it - you'll enjoy it.

This is a great CD if you are a Joan fan. Has many of her popular ballads and a few fun songs in concert. Great selection for a small album.

I have the LP (a double set) not this CD. I have worn it out over the years because the performances are hauntingly good. My favorites are Tears In My Eyes, Man of Constant Sorrow, Railroad Bill and Silver Dagger. The unfortunate thing about the CD version is that they cut two tracks: Streets of Laredo and My Good Old Man, which was also a favorite of mine. It's hard to believe this album was recorded in 1963, because it could have been 2003 since the songs have and will stand the test of time. That's a testament to Joan's craft. What a talent!

A friend to whom I commented I'd gotten this album gave me the title for the review. "Oh, that's back when she was a folk singer." I asked what she is now, and the reply was, "She's crossed over to something like pop." Some listeners may not care for the old-time folk songs, yet they are my favorites. Extracted from Celtic songs, they have an old-world feel that appeals to me. There are more modern songs in the lineup, but the whole collection is from the '60s. That also suits me, since I was young then, too. Joan's voice is pure gold and great for jangled nerves when I am driving in heavy traffic. This album will be with me on many a road trip.

I knew very little of Joan's voice and talent. My husband selected and purchased this album. What a wonderful discovery I've made. The more I play this album, the more I enjoy it. Joan has her best known songs on this album but it is the heart she puts into all of the songs that show her voice to it's best advantage. Relax, and listen to this exceptional album.

After so many years, listening to Joan Baez' early singing is refreshing. She sounds young, spontaneous, fun, original, yet mature. The ambience of protesting songs and 60's years, is well reflected in this work. Voice and guitar beautiful. Two tunes with Pete Seeger are two remarkable specimens. This is an album for any coleccionist. Long live to Joan!