Can't believe it's March already...guess it's time to trot out another collection of Joni covers. Or should I say "March out"...anyway, here goes: This month's assortment includes contributions from me and:
Stephen Elliott John van Tiel Sue McNamara (and thanks to Mark Tatum for a nice lead!) And here's the shiny gems contained within...(everyone now...OOOH! AAAAH!): 1. Barbra Streisand - I Don't Know Where I Stand(live): This is an unreleased recording from Babs' 1973 Daniel Ellsburg fundraiser. There's a little intro bit where Barbra admits her love for Joni, which is pretty cool too. 2. Solex - You're So Square: This one is sort of unique because they do a cover of Joni's cover of the Lieber/Stoller number. That is to say, they sing "toot & talk" which was Joni's alteration. Weird but fun. 3. Sea Chanters - Both Sides Now: The US Navy chorus...seamen singing BSN lustily. Don't ask, don't tell boys. 4. Itxaso & Daniel Perez - Cherokee Louise 5. Itxaso & Daniel Perez - Night Ride Home: These two come to us from Spain, and as usual the Europeans are always doing the newer Joni stuff, God bless 'em. This is the only other studio take of "Louise" that I'm aware of, and even though Itxaso sings in a very strong accent, all of the feeling comes through and these 2 are just lovely. 6. Pat Valentine - Chelsea Morning: A couple weeks late for Valentines' Day. A pretty instrumental. 7. Julie Felix - Both Sides Now - One of the earlier BSN covers, from folk maven Felix in 1968. 8. Karrin Allyson - Blue Motel Room: Followed by one of the newer covers, from 2002, and one of the best! Karrin takes this song one step closer to the standard it will someday be! 9. Euro Grass - Woodstock: Bluegrass from Europe (hence the name), these guys are great! Mandolin, Banjo, and other sounds to get those toes a-tappin'! 10. The Girls Next Door - River: I wish I had a River I could drown them in...college acapella from Illinois...IlliNOISE... 11. David Snell - Both Sides Now: BSN on the harp. 12. Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble & Jazz Singers - Goodbye Pork Pie Hat: Another college group, but this gang does a lot better. Very nice musicians, and vocals too. From Colorado, the land of Les! 13. Ensemble Petit & Screen Land Orchestra - The Circle Game: Muzak. 14. Patricia van Nunen - Blue 15. Patricia van Nunen - Woodstock: Dutch jazz singer van Nunen scores 2-for-2 with these great interpretations, haunting & lovely. 16. Dust & Ashes - Both Sides Now: Cheesy I suppose, but I like the guitar & the harmonies. 17. Jazzbum - Free Man In Paris: Very nice jazz-ish cover, the Jazzbum is based in the Pacific Northwest, so if you get a chance to check him out, do it. 18. Susan & Fran - Chelsea Morning (Hebrew): I love these non-English language covers...this one's no exception, our first kosher cover! 19. Duncan Sheik - Court & Spark: Another unreleased goodie, this one from a radio appearance. The quality of the recording is good, I just wonder what ol' Dunc did with the money his Momma gave him for voice lessons... So there you have it...Volume 38 in the seemingly never-ending chain of salutes to the composer we love & adore. Stay tuned for news of how you can win a copy for your very own! Bob NP: Susan & Fran, "Chelsea Morning"
