Search - Joan Baez :: In Concert 2

An Old Friend Remastered

N. Chevalier | Regina, Sask. Canada | 01/29/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Indulge me for a brief personal story.For some reason my parents, whose taste in music usually ran to Perry Como and Nana Mouskouri, and whose political sensibilities are light-years away from radical, bought a cassette of this album when I was about 8 or 9. I fell in love with "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright" and "With God on Our Side," and was thus introduced to a guy named Bob Dylan, who has been a staple of my musical life for over 30 years now. I eventually swiped--umm...borrowed--the tape when I moved out of my parents' home, and I was amazed at the power of the other songs, too--"Once I Had a Sweetheart," "Portland Town" and "Queen of Hearts" are particular standouts. In a world of heavily over-produced, synthetic music (and this is about as far from Britney as you can get!), it's refreshing to hear a singer who can profoundly move an audience with just a guitar, a voice, and a shy request to remove her shoes. Highly recommended."

THE EARLY JOAN BAEZ THAT WE KNOW AND LOVE...

Lawyeraau | Balmoral Castle | 03/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is quintessential early Joan Baez, simply strumming her guitar and singing folk songs that she loves. All but one of the tracks was recorded at various concerts during her tours in August 1962 and October/November 1963. The sole exception is "We Shall Overcome", which was recorded at Miles College, in Birmingham, Alabama. This cd is even better than Joan Baez In Concert Part 1. The selection of songs is better, as it contains more traditional folk songs, a fact that purists may wish to note. These songs serve to showcase her sweet, clear soprano to perfection. Moreover, her affection for this repertoire is evident in the feeling she evokes with her exquisite singing of these songs. This is particularly notable when she sings "Once I Had a Sweetheart", "Jackaroe", and "Queen of Hearts". Ms. Baez also sings two songs in Portuguese, "Manha De Carnaval/Te Ador", one of the most beautiful and haunting songs on this cd, as well as the traditional "Nu Bello Cardillo". She also gives her own rousing interpretation to a perennial country favorite, "Long Black Veil".The cd also contains two Bob Dylan songs, the popular "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright", as well as "With God on Our Side". The latter track, one of Dylan's best songs, is done ample justice by the moving interpretation by Ms. Baez. It is one of my favorites tracks on this cd. This is a live concert recording, so be prepared for clapping and an enthusiastic reception by the concert crowds, as well as some crowd interaction and participation. The audience joins Joan Baez in singing "We Shall Overcome"."

There was magic in the air

Pieter | Johannesburg | 11/28/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"At the start of her career Joan Baez's pure, soulful voice was the signature of the early 60's folk movement; it is perhaps best displayed on this album and on Vol. 1 of the same. There is a special magic in her voice, her guitar and the response of the appreciative audience. The Portuguese song on this album, Nu Bello Cardillo, is touching but not as memorable as Ate Amanha on the first volume, while there's a lovely tremulous quality to her voice in the Dylan song With God On Our Side. My favorites on this second volume include the sorrowful tale of The Long Black Veil and the traditionals Hush Little Baby and Battle Hymn Of The Republic - the audience participation on the Hymn is very poignant and moving, and turns into a rousing spiritual experience. I personally prefer the first volume since more of those songs have personal meaning to me, but this folk classic is also an enduring treasure."