Monday 7 September 2015

A Maid Of Constant Sorrow – JUDY COLLINS****

Maid Of Constant Sorrow/The Prickilie Bush/Wild Mountain Thyme/Tim Evans/Sailor’s Life/Bold Fenian Men/ Wars Of Germany/O Daddy Be Gay/I Know Where I’m Going/John Riley/Pretty Saro/The Rising Of The Moon

Debut album from Judy Collins, one of the most celebrated folk singers of the 1960s. A Maid Of Constant Sorrow consists of mostly traditional British and Irish folk tunes.

“Today it is easy to forget what an important part Judy Collins played in the early folk movement during the 1960s. Her debut album of mostly traditional folk songs sounds somewhat dated today, but remains a nice glimpse into a very different world.”

“Absolutely wonderful. A voice of startling purity and power. A thoroughly intriguing selections of songs too. The versions of Wild Mountain Thyme, Bold Fenian Men and The Rising Of The Moon are easily the match of any of the more seasoned male performances I've heard. Fabulous versions of British and Irish traditionals.”

“Collins' voice is deeper here than on any of her later albums, but the purity of tone for which she is famous is evident. All the tracks are English, Irish or Scottish folk songs. Pretty Saro is especially lovely.”

A Maid Of Constant Sorrow was released in 1961 and listening to it will surprise her fans because this is not the Judy Collins they are used to hearing. In retrospect it is clear that Collins is still learning how to use her voice to her advantage; she tends to stay more in her lower register at this point, and the glorious high notes we associate with her singing is seen only in spots.”

“More of historical interest at this point, because you are not going to find them to be quintessential Judy Collins. However, if you remember the times you can appreciate that this was a period when folk music did not mean commercially viable songs, but more 'authentic' music. The bottom line is that fans of her voice are going to appreciate hearing it at the beginning of one of the celebrated careers in folk music.”

“Anyone looking, on this early Judy Collins album, for something with traditional folk beauty will be seriously surprised by the intensity and darkness found in her performances. The opening track sets the tone with its quite un-nerving acoustic guitar and Collins' deep voice.”

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