Many of the songs will be instantly recognizable to Baez fans as classics. "Farewell Angelina," "Jackaroe," and, of course, "Joe Hill" are interspersed amongst tracks from more recent releases, like "Rexroth's Daughter," and "Christmas in Washington" which were featured on Baez's most recent studio album, 2003's Dark Chords On a Big Guitar.
In addition, Baez presents, for the first time, four songs never before recorded but often requested by fans: "Dink's Song," "Seven Curses" (an intriguing Dylan tune), "Finlandia," (performed accapella) and Steve Earle's powerful "Jerusalem," ending the album on an energetic note of social consciousness.
Most of the songs are performed with a full band: George Javori (Musical Director, drums and percussion); Erik Della Penna (Guitar, lap steel, banjo and vocals); Graham Maby (Bass and vocals); and, Duke McVinnie (Guitar and vocals). While Baez's voice may have lost some of its youthful elasticity, she is still strong and clear. In fact, Bowery Songs features her strongest vocal performance on record in years.
Speaking of years, Bowery Songs is also Baez's first live album in a decade. Always socially conscious and aware of her times, her choice of songs reflect historical significance with contemporary issues. As always, she picks a number of Bob Dylan songs ("Farewell Angelina," "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," "Seven Curses"), one Woody Guthrie classic -- "Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)" -- as well as songs from her 60's recording career like the aforementioned "Joe Hill" (which she performed at Woodstock) and "Silver Dagger."
Baez's connection to modern-day singer/songwriters is reflected on recent albums, particularly Steve Earle, Greg Brown, and Richard Shindell (who, alas, is not represented this time around). However, Brown's "Rexroth's Daughter" and Earle's outspoken "Christmas in Washington" and "Jerusalem" more than makes up for that particular oversight.
Bowery Songs proves that there is a lot of musical life left in Ms. Baez. Fans still love her live, and their enthusiasm comes across loud and clear. Representing songs from multiple generations presented to fans of equal age disparity, Joan Baez is the common thread linking the decades -- and the songs.
You can visit Joan Baez's official website at: www.joanbaez.com.
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