Amazon.comThough his name is synonymous with the folk revival of the early '60s, Eric Von Schmidt's own music has never been known much beyond a small circle of friends and devotees, including the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Rush, Dave Van Ronk, and Geoff and Maria Muldaur. Recorded (but never released) in 1971, the relaxed, low-key Living on the Trail is grounded in Von Schmidt's impeccable finger-style guitar work and whiskey-preacher voice. Harmonies from the Muldaurs and Rick Danko, as well as pump organ from Garth Hudson, lend these Von Schmidt originals--especially a mesmerizing version of Von Schmidt's classic "Joshua Gone Barbados"--the modest but somehow mysterious ambiance of friends making music for the sake of friendship alone. --Roy Kasten