The mail arrived from Greenville, now known as the covers capital of the
Joni world. It seems to me that Bob has been operating a strict quality
control policy on recent volumes and this one continues the trend. Where
previously we listened awestruck by the audacity of such crimes against Joni
as the hip hop BSN or Tom Dolby's Jungleline. Now, I wonder will we
ever get to hear cheesy Max Bygraves' singalong BSN. Anyway, on with my
opinionated review. Richard Isen gets things started with a very fine
personalised version of Willy. BBC jock of times past Wally Whyton does a
Gordon Lightfoot style UFG.. Lydia Van Dam
jazzes up People's Parties. Will Taylor's Black Crow is a total gem. Joni's
successor Beth Orton plays River with a lot of feeling. She's one UK lady
who has never ignored Joni. Luka Bloom's UFG is good but I was kinda
expecting a more adventurous effort from the Kildare man. The English
Girls are not ignoring Joni either. Their version Of Help Me has a lovely
freshness about it. Marian Hoiting's Carey is a real surprise -very
original, piano with congas beats. Bossa nova king Stan Getz's BSN is
burdened by an over busy orchestral arrangement. The Ballroom Band play
the BSN melody on melodica and synth. It's got a real west african style
beat to get the dancers on the floor. Barbara Higbie and Ronnie Aldich
do lovely piano instrumentals of Rainy Night House and Woodstock. Strangely
on Ronnie's, the piano moves back and forth from left speaker to right
throughout the tune. CPR's For Free is ponderous but has nice steel guitar.
The C is for ex-Byrd Crosby, don't know the other two. Thanks Bob and crew.
Philip
