Search - Roger McGuinn :: Treasures from the Folk Den

Less Is More or Why I Love This CD

Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 11/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Appleseed label that's putting out some excellent folk-oriented discs has done well. Roger McGuinn embraces these folks tunes as if in a loving hug. His sharing of the stage with a host of other performers brings out the varying textures of the material and in McGuinn. Joan Baez joins for a great opener "Wagoner's Lad." The lyric made me reflect how far the woman's movement has come in the USA, "controlled by their parents until they are wives then slaves to their husbands for the rest of their lives." For me, the highlight of the disc are Roger's pairings with Pete Seeger. There's great chemistry between these two. "Dink's Song" is my favorite. Pete Seeger's alto and Roger McGuinn's tenor are such a gorgeous blend of voice with the acoustic guitar washing the melody, "If I had wings...I'd fly up the river to the one I love." Don't miss this treat! Judy Collins pipes in for a Celtic-flavored seafaring song, "Bonnie Ship the Diamond." "Cane Blues" is soft & wistful. Eliza Carthy's fluid fiddle is like a Celtic explosion on the instrumental "Reel." "Fair Nottamun Town," a sad folk ballad, does the least for me. "John the Revelator" is a happy tune. It's interesting to compare McGuinn's voice in "Dink's Song" to this track; here his voice is ragged like one who'd been up all night. The great chemistry with Seeger shines through on the pretty acoustic "Alabama Bound." My biggest smile comes on the track with Tommy Makem on a great Irish tune, "Lots of fun at Finnegan's wake!" Seeger & McGuinn get bluesy "when the fun is over & the liquor's gone dry" "In the Evenin'." Joan Baez does backing vocals and Eliza Carthy's fiddle drones on the somber ballad "Willie Moore." "The Brazos River" is like a folk military march. On "Sail Away," Odetta's voice squeaks like a guitar string. Judy Collins shines with Roger on a beautiful version of "John Riley," "What if he's found some new love?" Josh White Jr. joins for a blue soft shoe on "Trouble in Mind." Tommy Makem without the Clancy Brothers shoulders the lead on a great version of "Whiskey in the Jar." "The Virgin Mary" with Odetta is almost a Christmas song, "Glory be to the new born king." The CD concludes with a quick piece, "Pete's Song." The hidden track is interesting as the musicians discuss their parts in a rehearsal for "In the Evenin'." The song over, Pete Seeger starts talking about a tour he took of the Renaissance School in New York and one gets the feel that we are sitting in the living room sharing some time with these guys. This is an essential CD for folk music lovers!"

A Wonderful CD

Lee Armstrong | 09/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a loving tribute to the folk, blues, and gospel infuences that shape modern music. McGuinn shares the songs with some of the icons of folk music, pulling off a variety of styles with grace. The booklet includes info on how each song was recorded and the song's history and lyrics. The CD is infused with an informal warmth that leaves you smiling in delight.This album is a gem. Don't miss it."

McGuinn and Pete Seeger together -- You do the Math

BBB | America | 07/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To hear the two guys who got me into music picking and harmonizing together on Dink's Song had me unexpectedly in tears. I've been playing it nonstop and pushing it on everyone in listening distance. It's an incredible cut off an incredible album. If you like the Alan Lomax collection on Rounder, you'll love this. Just push the proper buttons on your computer and go ahead and buy it. You can also get the chords from the website and play along! Always wanted to hear these guys together. Praise God!"