Urban Folk music reviews

About 6 years ago, I bought Rhino's "Troubadours of the Folk Era" CD's. They introduced me to many folk singers whom I now know intimately. Taking that one better, Rhino now has this 3 CD set with pictures, liner notes and personal essays. Buyer beware, if you do have the Troubadours CD's, you may be disappointed to learn that many of the same recordings do pop up here. The good news is that there is a wealth of other material here to select from. Joni Mitchell is explained as not appearing due to licensing restrictions in this collection, yet oddly, she appeared on the Troubadour series. Conversely, Dylan appears here although he was not on Troubadours. The times are a'changin' I guess. I do have some minor quibbles with the material selected... "There but for Fortune" is not, in my opinion, the best Joan Baez choice for this collection, as it was released later in the 60's and doesn't have as much of that Washington Square flavor as say, "We Shall Overcome" or any of her broadside ballads do. Also, why do they select "Codine" from Buffy Sainte Marie, which is one of the hardest songs of hers to appreciate at first listening? Also, with lesser known artists such as Judy henske whose older material is NOT available on CD, why do we have "High Flying Bird" yet again, as on Troubadours? It's an amazing song, but for those of us starved for Henske, another selection would have been adequate.

That said, this is still worth having, for its historical impact and musical pleasure. Enjoy!

I'm not one who is too fast to gush about a slick cd set but even after owning it for a couple years I can't say enough about this one.

First and foremost is the varied and intelligent song selection that blends, in chronological order, traditional, folk-blues, Cambridge jug band revival, early and later protest songs, and the birth of the singer-songwriter era. The selections seem to have been chosen for their musical integrity, not just to represent a certain sub-genre or for sentimental value. Out of 72 cuts, there's only about 5 that I don't like, often because they were performed with an earnestness seems silly today. Mericfully, there is no Kumbaya.

This set also mixes the best known icons of the era (Dylan, Baez, PP&M) with those who are well known to fans of the music but perhaps less so by the public (Ochs, Paxton, Odetta, Brand, von Ronk) and greater performers and writers who may be unknown to younger audiences because they've mostly been undeservedly out of print the last few decades (Hamilton Camp, Carolyn Hester, "Rick" (ha!) Von Schmidt, Hedy West, Judy Henske, Rounders).

Best of all, unlike pretty much all the other sets out there, this one has very few pop-folk songs mixed in. No doo-wop Wimoweh, Coca Cola commercials, or Gordon Jenkins string sections, not that those recordings can't be enjoyed on other terms. There is just so much more meat here than in the larger sets you may have seen on TV that it this set is worth the premium prices used copies are starting to sell for.

The booklet has intersting notes on the songs and performers, although some seem to be recylced and not original to this set. And there are sine pictures that melted my heart. A teenage Mary Travers with friends in WSP in 1955 (may she have a speedy recovery from her health challenges)!

Finally, the sound quality is mostly very good. I have several of the original pressings and generally the versions on this set sound better.

Oh yeah, The Motorcyle Song is the hard to find long talking verion!

Since CDs started predominating the form in which music is available to the consumer, there have been many folk reissues. But this one is by far, the best collection of reissues I've seen or heard. It's only problem -- if it's even a problem -- is that after you've listened to all 72 tracks, you're left wanting more. The sound quality too is excellent. Go for it!

In this 1996 album, Billy Bragg mixes the old and the new. There are several songs about growing up ("The Space Race Is Over," "From Red To Blue") and being in love ("Brickbat," "The Fourteenth of February,"), topics that seem to dominate his songwriting since he started raising a family. But his earlier style of singing with nothing but an electric guitar accompaniment (like on his earlier albums) is present here as well, in fantastic songs like "A Pict Song" (with lyrics credited to Rudyard Kipling, this moving song also features some of Billy's most vicious guitar playing) and "Northern Industrial Town" (one of his best working-class anthems).

Like on his previous release, "Don't Try This At Home," Billy expands his instrumentation a bit, but the one problem with that otherwise excellent album is that he tried a few things - musically speaking - that, in my opinion, just didn't work (hints of dance music in "Cindy of a Thousand Lives" and an overblown arrangement in "The Few"). Here, Billy seems to have found his footing and the record sounds both comfortable and biting. He even has fun with horns on soul-influenced songs like "Upfield" and the hilarious "Goalhanger."

I've been a BB fan since 1988, when a friend lent me a tape that contained "Back to Basics" and "Talking With the Taxman About Poetry." For some reason, I passed on "William Bloke" when it first came out. But I'm very glad it's part of my collection now. If you like Billy, You'll love this album. If you've never heard of him, this would be a very nice introduction.

After a hiatus of over 6 years, Billy finally released an album...and it was good...very good.

I have been a fan of Billy's since 1989, when my college roommate played "A New England" for me. Since then, the depth of sincerity, the heartfelt songs, and the lightness of his humor have kept me coming back.

This album truly details Billy's growth as a human. It is introspective and less outwardly brash and tubthumping (meaning preachy). While I love all those things about his previous works, this album touched me.

From Red To Blue really talks about how one deals with changing views and shifting priorities as we get older. It details how some friends become more conservative and some of us become more pragmatic. "Should I vote red for my class, or green for our children?"

The Space Race is Over truly addresses the bridge between ages and how our goals/dreams have changed. Billy talks about dreaming about reaching the moon (about the time it was happening): "When I was young I told my mum, I'm going to walk on the moon someday...". Yet his son doesn't get it: "My son and I stand beneath the great night sky, and gaze up in wonder.
I tell him the tale of Apollo, and he says, "Why did they ever go?"

One of his most Braggish moments is in Northern Industrial Town. Billy vividly describes life in a North Industrial Town...warts and beauty marks and all. However, he ends it with a classic bang [or heavy irony], which leaves you thinking (and is STILL poignant to those who have followed the peace talks in North Ireland).

"But it's not Leeds or Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield nor Glasgow. It's not Newcastle-on-Tyne, It's Belfast. It's just a northern industrial town.

Merry christmas, war is over. In a northern industrial town."

Finally, two songs (Brickbat and The 14th of February)that truly wrap up what being in a loving relationship is about, love (of course) and nostalgia.

Brickbat, a truly touching song about how being in a loving relationship and growing old/up go hand-in-hand. "I used to want to plant bombs at the Last Night of the Proms, but now you'll find me with the baby, in the bathroom, with that big shell, listening for the sound of the sea..."

The 14th of February. This sums up the whole song and captures the wish that we all have:
"I wish that I could remember the first moment that we met.
If only I could remember that sweet moment when we met.
If I knew then that I would spend the rest of my life with you I imagine I would have held your gaze a little longer when first our eyes met."

Billy sums up the whole album perfectly in The Space Race is Over: "...I can't help but feel that we've all grown up too soon"

So, for all you Billy Bragg fans, this is truly a wonderful album. For those of you who are not YET Bragg fans, buy this, you will thank me...and you will thank yourself.

About 3 years ago, my sister took me to see Billy Bragg at Irving Plaza. Since then I've seen him 3x. And now I own 4 CDs. What makes Bragg so charming, I believe, is the sincerity of his 'socialism of the heart' . . .

Of the 4, this is my favorite. It is not so punk as BACK TO BASICS, but mellower and more tuneful. Best tracks are probably 'Space Race Is Over,' 'Northern Industrial Town' and 'King James Version.' But if you like punk, try 'Pict Song,' his rendition of Rudyard Kipling. WARNING! Listening to this CD is addictive! :)

Buy this CD. Edie Carey's sweet voice and smooth songs will earn this album a permanent spot in your CD changer. More mature and more complicated than her first, "The Falling Places," but with the same honey-like charm and honest lyrics, "Call Me Home" is a must buy.

This CD rocks my world! i saw Edie live with Melissa Ferrick (check her out too) and she just made me melt. Wonderful vocals! Check out her other CD too..they're both unbelievable! Rock on!

Edie is amazing. She played at my school, and it was the most fantastic thing ever. All I can say is WOW! She will make you LOVE folk music!

The first 5 tracks plus live fave (and soon to be published book) Miss Fortune make this album a MUST HAVE for fans. Stands up with New Deal and Adam's Apple at the top of the list.

John Wesley Harding suffered in his early career from comparisons to Elvis Costello and swipes from Dylanphiles for "stealing" his name from Dylan's classic album. Not for nothing did he sing on his first release "Bob Dylan is my father/Joan Baez is my mother/And I'm their bastard son." Happily, on Awake, JWH leaves behind the musical similarities to Costello (all he got from his "father" is his name) and finds his own voice.

Awake finds him in true folk-pop mode, with generous references to 60's pop ("I Just Woke Up") and 70's glam ("Song I Wrote Myself In The Future"). At times it seems that JWH took a cue from Barenaked Ladies...with a heavier sense of irony and a more biting sense of humor. He covers disillusionment, both of himself and institutions ("Burn", "I'm Staying Here"), and perceived failure ("It's All My Fault") with equal aplomb, musically keeping the listener above ground and sometimes smiling while never sinking into the folk-pop mush that recently covered Shawn Colvin's fine songs on Whole New You.

Through it all, Harding holds his songs and his voice up with clear irony and self-deprecating dignity ("Make sure it's me up on the funeral pyre/Make sure the house band's playing 'Light My Fire'", from "Burn"). Sure, there's a clunker or two (the ballad "Poor Heart"...not bad, but well below the standard we've come to expect), but all in all, this is a fine, serious album that has absolutely no business being fun, which it often is.

The reissue contains a few bonus tracks, all of which are up to the standards of the rest of the record. Rest assured, these tracks aren't filler added on to make fans buy the album twice.

Fine folk-pop, aided and abetted by members of Seattle's Young Fresh Fellows, among others. More than worth your time.

I've always been more inclined to like Wes's "folkie" music. So it surprises me to say that this is his best release. A full blown effort of smart pop/rock, lovely ballads, and his trademark folk music. The new release; with the extra tracks, is a must buy. Some of the extra tracks like "Wooden Overcoat" and Springsteen's "Jackson Cage" are just two of the many highlights this spectacular disc.

This was a good album, but I didn't think it was as deep as some of her other work.

when I put this CD on, I know I'm going to cry. it brings me memories and feelings that I don't know how to explain. it's not a sad album, I love it. I guess women just need to cry sometimes, maybe at *that* time of month, or for whatever reason...

the music is soulful, deep, soothing, erotic, comforting. like a good friend putting her arms around you and saying "I understand" and that's what makes me cry.

my dear sweet hubby, Norman, and I have made love to this CD countless times. brings out the passion in me (then I cry) kidding, I don't cry every time - but it puts me in a space that I feel so much. the pain of my friend's death, comes to mind first. the pain of the world, I dunno. have you ever just cried cause something is so beautiful? I have. but then I cry during the National Anthem, at a football game. sniff.. it touches me.

this was the first of Ms Curtis' CD that I listened to. got it by accident really, I only played it, cause it caught my eye. never heard of her. it was about to go into the Goodwill box, boy, glad I rescued it! now, I have most all of her CDs, but this was the first, so, like a girl's first lover, it will always hold a special place for me.

Catie is one of the most talented singer-songwriters I have heard. With no major label backing, she's made more than a splash-- even past the waves of Lilith-- and has grown in artistry along the way. There's no comparing her to the usual female icons... she has a depth that far outreaches mainstream fluff. Each lyric pulls the listener in and reels emotions out of depths seldom seen. The melodies are equally stirring. Acoustic-based and full of centemplation, EVERY song is a winner on this disc. You won't be disappointed.

K.J. Denhurt classifies her music as Urban Folk and Jazz. I'd never heard the term urban folk before but I'd say it describes her perfectly. The music is a little bit folky and a little bit "downtown". It's got a nice jazzy tone to it too.

Her voice is velvet, smooth and sultry and the songs are well written and draw you in. It's a very smooth recording.
(read full review at collectedsounds.com)

I must admit GIRL LIKE ME, featuring Urban Folk and Jazz Artist, K. J. Denhart, was my first time hearing this artist. I was thoroughly impressed. I feel as if I have been missing out. I've listened to the CD over and over and just can't get enough. I can't really say which one is my favorite, since I pretty much like them all. Some of the tunes include: HOW MANY WAYS, SHE LOVES YOU AND MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE.
Don't be like me and be left in the dark. Enjoy this jazzy singer by adding GIRL LIKE ME to your collection.

One evening in search of live music, I found K J singing in a tiny back room in an Irish Pub in Hoboken NJ.

Like trying great food from another culture, I've been hooked on her music from the first taste...

KJ Denhert, proclaimed Urban Folk & Jazz artist, is soothing, sultry, funky & jazzy, aligning addictive acoustic and electric guitar lines with interesting percussion, bass and piano combinations.

You feel simultaneously, the influences of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Roberta Flack, with undertones of George Clinton.

Her remakes of the Beatles "She Loves You", and Sting's "Message in a Bottle" are so wonderful, subtle and beautifully arranged, you might not recognize them at first.

For the eclectic soul craving music that defies category....
Buy "Girl Like Me" today.

Supimos de este interesante trabajo de compilacion de voces femeninas de todo el mundo en noviembre de 1999, cuando hicimos una intersante gira de conciertos en Venezuela con la cantante bogotana Maria Olga Pi�eros (Disco 3, track1, del album Global Divas) con motivo de la celebracion del V aniversario de la Fundacion ANDANDO AMERICA, organizacion sin fines de lucro que promueve la musica popular y folklorica de America Latina y del mundo entero. La seleccion del material es un verdadero acierto (no excento de omisiones) que sirve para realizar un verdadero y emocionante recorrido auditivo por musicas de diferentes paises y culturas. Celebramos que este tipo de material se encuentre entre las listas de productos ofrecidos por AMAZON.COM. Como vicepresidente de la FUNDACION ANDANDO AMERICA recomiendo altamente este excelente set de tres discos que se ofrecen con una delicada presentacion, un dise�o cuidado y excelente gusto en la seleccion del material. Un colorido paseo por ritmos y sonoridades de diferentes puntos del planeta que sin duda va a satisfacer las espectativas de los m�s exigentes.

Elkin J. Calle Fundacion Andando America Venezuela Abril, 2000

Cuando escuche por primera vez este CD triple en casa de una amiga sencillamente me enamore de el y no descanse hasta conseguirlo. Aunque a mi parecer tiene algunas tragicas omisiones es una buena mezcla de ritmos y voces que cubren casi completamente el espectro de sue�os y deseos. Que mejor instrumento para el corazon que la voz y que mejor voz que la de una mujer para hacerlo. Saludos Horacio.

I bought this collection a few years ago, being interested in female vocalists of the world. I fell in love with this 3-CD set immediately, and I actually went out and bought several more copies to give as gifts because it is truly that amazing. The diverse voices and musical styles represented are revelations! And despite the differences between music styles, the music fits together on each disc with such harmony. I was familiar with (and a fan of) some of the contributing artists before purchasing the set, so those artists� inclusion in this collection made me "trust" that this would be a superior collection overall. I was not disappointed. On the strength of the inclusion of M�zsik�s, Kirsten Br�ten-Berg, V�rttin�, and �dith Piaf, I decided this was a must-have, and in listening to it, I discovered the amazing voices of many other artists. For example, Tiddas from Australia, Nasida Ria from Indonesia, R�sa Esken�zi from Greece, Fairuz, who is revered in her native Lebanon, Am�lia Rodrigues, the pre-eminent singer of Portuguese fado songs (Rodrigues passed away last year), and probably the most beautiful, haunting song on the collection by Ulali, comprised of three Native American women. Quite stunning.

This collection is so large and overwhelming that it is really hard to describe in words why you should invest your time and money. Simply put, if you have interest in women vocalists and world music, you would be wise to start here.

I saw John Wesley Harding play live in the early 1990s. He was quite entertaining. I also met him in person for an autograph session at Wax 'N Facts in the L5P area of Atlanta (he's better on stage). He has an ironic sense of humor in his lyrics, which are full of witty observations. His music will appeal to fans of the folk-acoustic sound, and he's a pretty good storyteller.

Two in one is always good and never better than with these two awesome cds from JWH. Two classics from his pop/rock era they both have (as always) fantastic songs with striking and accessible melodies as well as poetic lyrics.

You get two discs full of thoughful, witty lyrics set to catchy, tuneful melodies that cover a pretty wide range of styles throughout the folk/pop/rock/singer-songwriter genre. Highly recommended for fans of Elvis Costello.

I've never heard of this guy, but bought the album after hearing mention of him in articles on Giant Sand, Calexico, etc. Bought it just for the heck of it, and think it's a minor gem. The first six songs are sublime. Intelligent, quirky, serious, and a sweet group of artists.

This is perhaps the most amazing tribute album, but chances are that most people have no idea who Rainer Ptacek is. From hearing the songs on this album it's a damn shame. This tribute was put together by Howe Gelb of Giant Sand, along with help from Roger Plant. The songs on here are performed magnificently, and I would imagine that Rainer was quite proud of the out come. Giant Sand perfrom with Rainer on the track "The Inner Flame" that meshes Gelb's guitar methods perfectly with Rainers steel guitar, Plant & Page deliever an powerful version of "Rude World", Emmylou Harris gives us a preacher's ode with "The Good Book" that should be played in all Sunday schools, and Evan Dando of the Lemonheads delievers a heartwarming cover of "Rudy with a Flashlight". The album does stagnate a little towards the middle. However, PJ Harvey/John Parish/Eric Drew Feldman slam you awake with their thundering version of "Losin' Ground". The Drovers, in essence, become the song they do, "Worried Spirits", as they play misty and haunting melodies. The surprise tracks are LK with "I am a Sinner" and Jonathan Richman with "Broken Promises". This album is a great buy even if you have no clue who Rainer Ptacek is and if you're a fan of Rainer's you'll be happy with what the kids do with the songs.

This is absolutely the most cohesive tribute album ever assembled, no doubt a result of Rainer's playing on most of the tracks. Throughout the album, Ptacek's National Steel slides and plunks along so thick you can almost taste it, and it's delicious. Brought together by Robert Plant and Howe Gelb, the album's contributors all do a magnificent job of adding their own souls to Ptacek's deeply personal music. Rainer Ptacek passed away a few months after the album was released, and this only adds to the haunting aura of the music. The last line of his statement of thanks in the liner notes reads, "I AM STILL REMAINING", and thanks to this collection, he will always remain a part of the heart of anyone fortunate enough to hear his songs.

I first learned of Robin Holcomb from a clerk in a music store in Ann Arbor, and he had as difficult a time describing her music as I expect I will here. As confusing as this might sound, imagine piano compositions that are at once primitive, yet sophisticated, a kind of cross between protestant hymnals and Charles Ives, with an almost appalachian starkness. This is a recording that rewards detailed listening immensely while still being very effective as concentration-enhancing background music (in the very best sense of that term). While the entire album is bleakly beautiful, I would especially recommend "The Graveyard Song."

It is difficult to categorize Robin Holcomb's compositions. Americana classical? Spare yet rich, this is a beautiful work.

"Little Three" is one of my favorite CDs. Robin Holcomb is a terrific composer, so American, so evocative. If you love, say, intimate piano pieces by Brahms plus Elizabeth Cotten, you will love this recording.