I was extremely fortunate to see Joan in concert at the Llangollen International Music Festival in Wales in 2007. Her voice was still amazing and it was a thrill to listen to her do favorites and songs I didn't know. I second you -- I would love to attend a concert with her again.
David’s Album doesn’t get mentioned often, but it still holds up. The David is Baez’s then husband, who resisted the draft during the Vietnam War. Only a Tramp is a particularly strong cut. If memory serves, she adds her own final verse. Recorded in Nashville. Great musicians, great songs.
I know very little about Baez’s music. My mom had a couple of her records but as a kid I gravitated towards my dad’s Beatles records. As a teen I remember loving her performances of “Joe Hill” and (especially) “Sweet Sir Galahad” at Woodstock. But that’s about all I know of her outside of some more well-known tracks like “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”.
Thanks so much for highlighting the album Joan. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the tracks and that seems like a good place to start with her catalog.
Lastly, I really appreciated seeing the Pete Seeger clip as I’ve known of him for decades but never really listened to his music. Another item to add to my musical to do list!
A satisfying piece on Joan, Robert.....thanks for the generous mentions! I'm happy you were motivated and inspired by the biopic to focus on an adjacent artist!
Fine insights into Joan Baez and her music. I am mostly familiar with her early albums e.g. "Farewell Angelina" and "5". Her voice on those albums is very transporting. I then jumped to "Diamonds and Rust" for title song only. Even though the musicians on that album are top notch, I am not thrilled with the other tracks. I do respect her activism and her honesty.
'Diamonds and Rust' is an album I have passed over many times - I should own it as well as 'Farewell Angelina,' the only of her early Vanguard's I don't have.
I was extremely fortunate to see Joan in concert at the Llangollen International Music Festival in Wales in 2007. Her voice was still amazing and it was a thrill to listen to her do favorites and songs I didn't know. I second you -- I would love to attend a concert with her again.
Barring something unforeseen, I missed the boat here. A good reminder to seize any and all opportunities.
David’s Album doesn’t get mentioned often, but it still holds up. The David is Baez’s then husband, who resisted the draft during the Vietnam War. Only a Tramp is a particularly strong cut. If memory serves, she adds her own final verse. Recorded in Nashville. Great musicians, great songs.
I just got a copy of it and heard it for the first time on Tuesday, and loved it.
You've inspired me to go back to Joan Baez! As you've mentioned biopics: have you seen the Maria Callas one that's out now?
Awesome - enjoying the listening. Haven't seen the Callas biopic - is it worth seeing?
No idea -- that's what I'm trying to find out!
Gotcha.
This is absolutely brilliant Robert, thank you!
I know very little about Baez’s music. My mom had a couple of her records but as a kid I gravitated towards my dad’s Beatles records. As a teen I remember loving her performances of “Joe Hill” and (especially) “Sweet Sir Galahad” at Woodstock. But that’s about all I know of her outside of some more well-known tracks like “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”.
Thanks so much for highlighting the album Joan. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the tracks and that seems like a good place to start with her catalog.
Lastly, I really appreciated seeing the Pete Seeger clip as I’ve known of him for decades but never really listened to his music. Another item to add to my musical to do list!
Thank you, Mark - really appreciate your comment and good luck with the exploring of Joan Baez's music.
A satisfying piece on Joan, Robert.....thanks for the generous mentions! I'm happy you were motivated and inspired by the biopic to focus on an adjacent artist!
Thanks, Brad, and thanks again for the push here.
Fine insights into Joan Baez and her music. I am mostly familiar with her early albums e.g. "Farewell Angelina" and "5". Her voice on those albums is very transporting. I then jumped to "Diamonds and Rust" for title song only. Even though the musicians on that album are top notch, I am not thrilled with the other tracks. I do respect her activism and her honesty.
'Diamonds and Rust' is an album I have passed over many times - I should own it as well as 'Farewell Angelina,' the only of her early Vanguard's I don't have.
Thank you and sharing!
Thank you, Thea and grateful for your sharing of my piece.
Working references of The Left Banke and Edgar Allan Poe into an essay about Joan Baez…masterful!
Oh thanks, Daniel - very kind of you to say here.