05-03-2018, 10:50
JOAN BAEZ ~ Whistle Down the Wind
![[Image: MI0004367110.jpg?partner=allrovi.com]](https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0004/367/MI0004367110.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
I don’t know if it’s a swansong, but this, her 30th album does mark the end of Joan’s touring days. At 77, she’s doing remarkably well - her voice sounds strong although grittier and deeper than in the early days and she’s careful not extend it further than would be wise. The lady has aplomb.
As it happens, a gentleman by the name of Greg Leisz is responsible for some of the guitars on this album – a widely used session musician who also plays on Jonathan Wilson’s Rare Birds. This release was produced by Joe Henry.
Acoustic guitar is courtesy of Ms Baez and these are covers of some of her favourite composer’s songs; interestingly not old favourites, but rather more contemporary, including two of Josh Ritter’s and a heartfelt rendition of Zoe Mulford’s “The President Sang Amazing Grace” which speaks of the 2015 Charleston church shootings. It’s a sombre affair, dealing with serious subjects, as has always been her way, but she pulls it off with grace even if it leaves you feeling contemplative and somewhat subdued.
I think I might prefer her version of the title track over Tom Wait's original ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNHDtN4lPE8
“Be of Good Heart”
- "Whistle Down the Wind" (Tom Waits)
- "Be of Good Heart" (Josh Ritter)
- "Another World" (Anohni)
- "Civil War" (Joe Henry)
- "The Things That We Are Made Of" (Mary Chapin Carpenter)
- "The President Sang Amazing Grace" (Zoe Mulford)
- "Last Leaf" (Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan)
- "Silver Blade" (Josh Ritter)
- "The Great Correction" (Eliza Gilkyson)
- "I Wish the Wars Were All Over" (Tim Eriksen)
I don’t know if it’s a swansong, but this, her 30th album does mark the end of Joan’s touring days. At 77, she’s doing remarkably well - her voice sounds strong although grittier and deeper than in the early days and she’s careful not extend it further than would be wise. The lady has aplomb.
As it happens, a gentleman by the name of Greg Leisz is responsible for some of the guitars on this album – a widely used session musician who also plays on Jonathan Wilson’s Rare Birds. This release was produced by Joe Henry.
Acoustic guitar is courtesy of Ms Baez and these are covers of some of her favourite composer’s songs; interestingly not old favourites, but rather more contemporary, including two of Josh Ritter’s and a heartfelt rendition of Zoe Mulford’s “The President Sang Amazing Grace” which speaks of the 2015 Charleston church shootings. It’s a sombre affair, dealing with serious subjects, as has always been her way, but she pulls it off with grace even if it leaves you feeling contemplative and somewhat subdued.
I think I might prefer her version of the title track over Tom Wait's original ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNHDtN4lPE8
“Be of Good Heart”
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson
