Judy Collins - Maid of Constant Sorrow/Golden Apples of the Sun (Audio CD - 2001) [Import]

This import CD reissues the first two Judy Collins albums from the early 1960’s when she was singing traditional folk material with her crystal pure soprano voice accompanied by acoustic guitar. Collins had been trained as a classical pianist and when she turned to folk music she brought along the sensibilities of a classicist as she became one of the main interpreters of folk songs in the Sixties. "A Maid of Constant Sorrow" was released in 1961 and listening to it will surprise her fans because this is not the Judy Collins they are used to hearing. In retrospect it is clear that Collins is still learning how to use her voice to her advantage; she tends to stay more in her lower register at this point and the glorious high notes we associate with her singing is seen only in spots. Her 1962 release, "Golden Apples of the Sun" shows significantly more confidence as a singer. What is interesting to me is the obscurity of these traditional folk songs, although she does branch out into some other genres. These two albums are more of historical interest at this point, because you are not going to find them to be quintessential Judy Collins. However, if you remember the times you can appreciate that this was a period when folk music did not mean commercially viable songs but more "authentic" music. The bottom line is that fans of that voice are going to appreciate hearing it at the beginning of one of the celebrate careers in folk music.
Condition: Brand New Factory Sealed

TRACK LISTING

1 Maid of Constant Sorrow 2:37
2 The Prickilie Bush 3:27
3 Wild Mountain Thyme 2:32
4 Tim Evans 2:54
5 Sailor's Life 2:45
6 Bold Fenian Men 2:46
7 Wars of Germany 3:10
8 O Daddy Be Gay 2:35
9 I Know Where I'm Going 1:50
10 John Riley 3:36
11 Pretty Saro 3:04
12 The Rising of the Moon 4:10
13 Golden Apples of the Sun 3:52
14 Bonnie Ship the Diamond 2:22
15 Little Brown Dog 3:15
16 Twelve Gates to the City 3:19
17 Christ Child Lullaby 2:42
18 Great Selchie of Shule Skerry 5:03
19 Tell Me Who I'll Marry 3:49
20 Fannerio 3:08
21 Crow on the Cradle 3:26
22 Lark in the Morning 0:57
23 Sing Hallelujah 2:36
24 Shule Aroon 3:19