Customer Reviews

Woodsmoke & Oranges / Jack Knife Gypsy

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Prine, Leo Kottke, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore written by Bob Dylan, or vice versa. I would highly recommend this wonderful album, trust me, these are the prettiest butterfly wings you'll ever find. I like Lucinda Williams, and think Gillian Welch is incredible, I love Gram Parsons, and Uncle Tupelo. I like everything on this album and give it frequently as a gift. I have a 300 disc CD changer that I am constantly upgrading, Paul Siebel has remained for about seven years now.

This is a compilation of Paul Siebel's two legendary albums, "Woodsmoke and Oranges" and "Jack-Knife Gypsy". I can't remember when I first heard Paul Siebel's music, probably around 1970. However, I'll never forget the song. It was "Bride 1945" played over an FM radio station. The song was hauntingly beautiful, and I immediately bought "Woodsmoke and Oranges" and found that every song on the album was unique. The lyrics, music, and David Bromberg's exquisite guitar made each song a jewel captured in time. I used to listen to that LP in the dark at night in my little university apartment and tried to imagine the kind of man who could write such sensitive and sometimes cynical lyrics and sing with such feeling. I guess I had an aural crush on Paul Siebel. I thought his music was terrific and expected him to become famous. Eventually I came to the conclusion that I was possibly the only person on the west coast of America who knew who he was. His second album Jack-Knife Gypsy" came out a couple of years later and showcased his versatility. "Hillbilly Child", which he allegedly wrote with his friend Linda Ronstadt in mind is reminiscent of Hank Williams at his best. "Legend of the Captain's Daughter" has incredible original lyrics and a Cajun feel. I particularly like his songs, because they are not angst-ridden, self-indulgent drivel. Songs like "Pinto Pony" are visual stories that unfold like little motion pictures in your mind. They are often filled with allegorical allusions; the miners in "Jasper and the Miners" may really be about the CIA, FBI, IRS, or any diggers into one's privacy. "Ballad of Honest Sam" (allegedly about Nixon) is just as timely today given most American's disillusionment with current politics. Paul Siebel's voice is unique - kind of raw and pure. He was one of the best American singer/songwriters of the 60's and 70's but didn't get the recognition that he deserved. However, he was much appreciated by fellow musicians who recorded his songs, among them: Emmylou Harris, Linda Rondstadt, Iain Matthews, Jerry Jeff Walker, David Bromberg, Bonnie Raitt, Rosalie Sorrels, Kate Wolf, and Leo Kottke. I hope the reissue of his albums on CD will lead to his discovery by new listeners and delight by old fans like me. Time hasn't diminished the impact of these songs. They sound fresh and original with fabulous lyrics and compelling melodies.

This 2 on 1 is pure gold. Of all the "hidden gems" and "lost treasures" I've heard about, these two albums certainly rank among the highest, unassailable by nostalgic hype. Paul Siebel, clearly (and self-proclaimedly in the liner notes) influenced by Dylan, doesn't simply try to make music that tries to recreate Dylan's sound, voice and poetry (for example, like Meic Stevens or Bill Fay). Instead, Siebel understands Dylan's influence much better, and turns in songs that are not only narratives full of angst, humor, colorful characters and allegory, but he also taps into the sources of traditional Americana that were driving Bob's music. In fact, I'd say Siebel does a better and more diverse job of integrating traditional music styles into his work than Dylan. Rather, I'd probably compare him more to The Band's self-titled sophomore album (one of my very favorites). Every single song is a winner--thoughtfully written, expertly sung (think Dylan phrasing with an ear for key and a way better range), and dynamically arranged. The opening track sounds almost like Bakersfield country--there is some sweet pedal steel guitar throughout, and Siebel confidently kicks off the album. My favorites from the better-known "Woodsmoke and Oranges" are the hopeful "Nashville Again," the heart-breaking wisdom of "Then Came the Children," and the unique refrain in "Long Afternoons." "Louise" has been covered by lots of folks and it may be the reason you've even heard of Siebel (Plainsong's cover is what drew my interest). Out of the two albums, I think I may even like "Jack-knife Gypsy" better. "Jasper and the Miners" resides in its own little musical universe, concise and mysterious. The title track rocks pretty hard in a pre-Blonde on Blonde kind of way. The music is even more diverse on this album--just listen to the hoe-down feel on "Legend of the Captain's Daughter," and the boogie of "Hillbilly Child." Like I said, though, every single track is strong, with great playing, singing and effortless lyrics. Recommended for fans of Dylan, the Band, Merle Haggard, Ronnie Lane, etc. etc. Get this album--you won't regret it!

I,ve been looking for this CD for years with no luck. Stumbled across it by accident,ordered it, and then realized the second album was included. I never heard it(Jack-Knife Gypsy), but when I did, I was overjoyed and regreted the fact that Paul Seibel didn't put out more albums than these two. The man has talent and more people should hear him.

I had both these albums on vinyl back in the early 70's and loved them then. I hadn't listened to them for many years when I bought this CD. What an absolute revelation this CD is. The remastering brings these songs to life in a way I cannot remember with the vinyl.

He is a very different performer than Dylan and I cannot see the connection apart from the the time of recording and that the songs are superb.

If you like 70's East Coast country-style music then this for you. Superb songwriting and singing, great playing and an amazing sound. Quality all the way.

These two albums are stone classics and should be in every serious "roots" music collection. It may seem unusual that these songs aren't covered as often as other great songs, but then how can one improve on perfection?

Get it.

All the other reviewers are spot on about the quality of the music on this disc. Sadly, Paul Siebel was another victim of the business of music. Last I heard, which was sometime ago, he was driving a delivery truck. I hope that has changed.

This is a great album by a great singer / songwriter. A must have for anyone interested in this era of folk music. it's among my all time favorites.

I have neen Paul's manager and producer/engineer since 1968--he is known as "The Folksinger's Folksinger". He set the tone for the times, not only in NYC's Greenwich Village--but throught North America and further. "Loiuse" has become a "standard:, having been recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Leo Kottke, many more. I cannot be very oblective about "Jack-Knife Gypsy" as I am the Producer. Peter K. Siegel produced "Woodsmoke and Oranges"--Paul's first release on Elektra Records. I believe that Paul's artistry is reflected as his recordings are still in print some nearly 40 years!

I have the original LP record album of Jack-Knife Gypsy and when I saw this duo, just had to get these CDs. I saw Paul many years ago when he was the opening act for someone else. There's something about his work that gets under your skin. Without warning, the lyrics go spinning through your head and won't let up.

In 1970-71, I was a journalist in central Jersey, buying a folk/rock/songwriter album each week, attending and reviewing concerts by artists in that genre. Somehow I totally missed Paul Siebel's LP's. Back in that day, that slice of the record industry had lots of competition, as would-be Dylans and Baezes and Crosby/Stills/Nash-type groups came and went. A friend sent me this re-release of Paul's two albums. I heard several pleasant songs, noted that his voice was better than Dylan's but not as pleasing to me as James Taylor's or Kris Kristofferson's. Neither were his songs as interesting as the best of those writers. I am glad to see he has some diehard fans, and I imagine that if I heard him live in a coffee-house setting I might like his personality a lot, and his songs better. But my impression listening to these now-40-year-old recordings is that Paul wasn't as good as the top rank artists, and in the 20 tracks that he put on the market, no one song jumps out and says "I'm clearly his best song, listen to me again." In the CD booklet, Paul notes that he was a friend of a now-obscure singer named Jackson Frank. Well, I've heard the late Mr. Frank's surviving work, and he had one great song, "Blues Run the Game." That one I used to listen to quite a number of times in a row without getting tired of it. That's what Siebel's double-CD lacks for me: the one track that demands "Listener, sit up and pay attention, this song can still be powerful or pleasant when you are an old man."