100 % made in America, in my own sweatshop! ;~) Actually, the compilation is, but the covers, as always, come from all over the world! And it would not have come together without the help of fellow JMDLer's:
Helga Loetgen Jim Johanson Brenda Walker Here's what's on this month's installment - like I said, I think it's a pretty enjoyable mix! 1. Anne Runolfsson - River: Really nice start to this volume, Anne has a lovely voice and mixes in "The First Noel" at the end. 2. Orville Johnson - I Don't Know Where I Stand: A unique instrumental, Orville is an accomplished dobro player (dobroist?) and this is a nice 'rootsy' version. 3. Earl Scruggs Revue - Both Sides Now: This is actually Randy playing his instrumental arrangement in a live setting, and the addition of the violin is really nice! 4. John McLaughlin - Goodbye Pork Pie Hat: Another instrumental, if you'll recall John was involved with the original Mingus sessions, so somewhere is the recording with Joni's vocal added. And those of you who know John know that his theory is "why play 4 notes when 100 will do?" ;~) 5. My Flexible Friends - You Dream Flat Tires: LOVE it! A unique trio from Germany, voice, bass & drums. Really propulsive! 6. Led Zeppelin - Woodstock (live): Taken from the "Earl's Court '75 Bootleg", this somewhat muddy recording features Plant, Page & the zeps jamming and singing Woodstock lyrics over a riff that would later appear on their "Presence" LP. 7. Mack White - Both Sides Now: I'm sure that Mack & his Mom are very proud of this one. 8. Prince - A Case of You: One of my "Sweet 16"! We have included an abbreviated live version of Prince performing ACOY before, here he presents it in the lush studio setting that the other recording only suggested - has to be heard to be believed! 9. ? - Big Yellow Taxi: I downloaded this one from the band's website, then promptly misplaced the info about who it was! All I know is that it's an Australian band playing in a club setting. If anyone recognizes the group, chime in! 10. Gail Ann Dorsey - Passion Play (When All The Slaves Are Free): Another unreleased 'live in the radio studio' recording, very true to Joni's arrangement and vocal stylings, and a personal favorite of mine from NRH. Thanks Brenda!! 11. Young Lovers - Both Sides Now: What would a Covers volume be without a bit 'o cheese? 12. Kohl, Roane, & Fitzgerald - Chelsea Morning: Nothing cheesy about this one! A beautiful jazz trio with a fresh an lovely arrangement. Ony of my favorite covers of "Chelsea"! 13. Big Yellow Taxi - Big Yellow Taxi 14. Big Yellow Taxi - Sunny Sunday 15. Big Yellow Taxi - Both Sides Now 16. Big Yellow Taxi - Chelsea Morning 17. Big Yellow Taxi - Black Crow: What more can be said about Big Yellow Taxi, the Joni project from Denmark? Henning's guitar work is solid and clean, Christina's voice is angelic and superb. These are demos that Henning shared with me when I first discovered his website & project. Seems like a long time ago already... 18. David West - Woodstock: From the "Pickin' On" series, this one actually comes from a CSNY tribute CD. If your grass is blue, this will be a favorite - nice pickin' all around. 19. Tom Northcott - Night In The City: Not a very exciting version, frankly, from a Canadian folksinger who if you didn't know any better you'd swear it was a female vocalist... 20. USAF Band with The Falconaires - Both Sides Now: OK, it sounds like it would be cheese, but his one ends us with a very nice big band style arrangement and features some nice flute soloing. Makes me want to dance with Miss Bunny at the USO dance! So there it is, for you who may still have interest in my obsession/project...contributors & subscribers, your copies are on the way, please excuse my tardiness. And I'll be giving one of these puppies away, so stay tuned! Bob NP: Led Zeppelin, "Baby Come On Home"
