Joan BaezCountry of origin:U.S. Type of music generally:Folk, some rock influence. (jbr@casetech.dk) Status:Most recent release, Whistle Down The Wind (covers, 2018) See also:Joan Baez's site Comparisons:Judie Tzuke (vocals), Sarah McLachlan (vocals), Bob Dylan (music). (jbr@casetech.dk) Covers/own material:Some covers, some originals. (jbr@casetech.dk) General comments:As a clear-voiced folk singer in the '60s, Joan Baez rose to prominence as an interpreter of traditional songs, as well as the music of Bob Dylan, The Byrds and The Band. Her more recent output seems marred by questionable taste, though her voice is still strong. (neal) Recommended first album:Play Me Backwards (anthony@mh1.lbl.gov) Recordings include:See Joan Baez's site for a complete discography.
The First 10 YearsRelease info:1970, re-released 1987—Vanguard Records—VCD-6560/1 Availability:Dunno, can be found used. Ecto priority:A very solid folk album (neal) Guest artists:The documentation is poor on this disc... Produced by:Maynard Solomon Joan Baez Greatest HitsEcto priority:One of my all time favorite folk albums (neal) Comments:I only have this on tape, so I can't say much about it. However, it's chock full of wonderful songs: "House of the Rising Sun," "Donna Donna," "We Shall Overcome," "It's All Over Now Baby Blue," "Farewell Angelina," "If I Were A Carpenter," "It Ain't Me Babe," "Let It Be," "Love is Just a Four Letter Word," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "There But For Fortune." When they say greatest hits, they aren't kidding! (neal) The Best of Joan BaezLabel:Pickwick music (U.K.)—PWKS 544 Availability:Available in Denmark. Ecto priority:Recommended. (jbr@casetech.dk) Comments:Joan Baez has a great voice. If you like folk you should definitely check her out. This compilation covers music from 1972 to 1976 and is a good introduction to her music. (jbr@casetech.dk) No Woman No CryRelease info:1989 (Gold Castle), 1992 (LaserLight)—LaserLight —15 450 (LaserLight) Availability:In cut-out bins and garbage cans everywhere. (neal) Ecto priority:None Guest artists:A whole bunch of people I've never heard of and am too lazy to type in, plus Gipsy Kings and Paul Simon. (neal) Produced by:Paul Simon and Alan Abrahams Comments:Words fail me to describe how horrible this album is. There are actually a few bearable moments on this disc, but they are overshadowed by the title song, one of the worst covers I have heard in my life. Joan still has a great voice if she doesn't shoot for the entire range that she had when she was younger. Maybe someone should tell her that. I think the cover of one of my favorite Leonard Cohen songs ("Famous Blue Raincoat") is bearable, but that's already 5 songs in and I usually take it out before that. If I haven't thrown it away by now, I'd be happy to give it to you. (neal) Play Me BackwardsRelease info:1992—Virgin—86458 2 Availability:Generally available. Ecto priority:Very highly recommended for more folk-orientated people. (anthony@mh1.lbl.gov) Guest artists:Kenny Greenberg—guitars Comments:This is the only Joan Baez album I have, so I can't judge her other material. This features compelling tunes and melodies, thought provoking lyrics, and excellent musicianship. What more could one want? (anthony@mh1.lbl.gov) Ring Them BellsRelease info:1995—EMD/Capitol Group members:Joan Baez—vocals, guitar Guest artists:Mary Black—vocals Comments:Recorded live at The Bottom Line, New York in April 1995. Gone From DangerRelease info:1997—EMD/Angel Availability:Wide Group members:Joan Baez—vocals, percussion Guest artists:Dar Williams—vocals Produced by:Wally Wilson; Kenny Greenberg Comments:Has anyone heard her rendition of Dar Williams' "February" on this album? WOW, is all I can say. Joan's version is almost more heartwrenching than Dar's is.... Real sob-inducing material! (Sherlyn.Koo) Further info:Also check out the excellent Bob Dylan documentary Don't Look Back, where you can see a wide-eyed, chipper Joan constantly breaking into song, much to the annoyance of Dylan and the rest of his band. Thanks to Jens P. Tagore Brage and Neal Copperman for work on this entry.
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