Vanguard Sessions: Baez Sings Dylan

by Joan Baez

Overview

Culling 15 tracks from her 1968 release of Any Day Now and adding five tracks taken from her releases of the early '60s, Vanguard Sessions: Baez Sings Dylan is a wonderful example of Joan Baez's ability to transcend the work of other songwriters. Though it could be said that the genius of Dylan's songcraft can occasionally be obscured by the understated starkness of his presentation, Baez's use of slightly countrified arrangements to compliment her powerful vocals succeeds in recasting these classics in a slightly prettier package. Baez takes few liberties, so most tracks don't count as surprises, though a bluesy a cappella rendition of "Tears of Rage" and a funky, soulful "Dear Landlord" nearly qualify as such. More than anything, Baez's renditions make the listener realize just how incredibly nuanced Dylan's delivery can be. Though standards like "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere," "It Ain't Me Babe," and "I Shall Be Released" are covered, just as many tracks are of a lesser-known variety, such as "Walkin' Down the Line," "Love Is Just a Four-Letter Word," and "Walls of Red Wing." Of course, bringing out the genius in Dylan's work isn't exactly akin to pulling teeth, but the timeless quality of Baez's thoughtful renditions more than does the work justice. ~ Matt Fink

Product Details

Release Date:	08/31/1998
Label:	Vanguard
UPC:	0090204663224
Rank:	74798

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Joan Baez   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
John Baez   Guitar,Vocals
Richard Romoff   String Bass,Bass Strings
Ralph Rinzler   Mandolin
David Soyer   Cello
Bruce Langhorne   Guitar (Electric)
Maurice de Abravanel   Conductor
Russ Savakus   String Bass,Bass Strings
Grady Martin   Lead

Technical Credits

Diana Davies   Photography,Cover Photo
Susanne Smolka   Design,Package Design
David Gahr   Photography
Daniel Kramer   Photography
Pete Drake   Musician
Captain Jeff Zaraya   Engineer
Jerry Kennedy   Musician
Jerry Reed   Musician
Selby Coffeen   Engineer,Original Engineering
Stephen Stills   Musician
Bob Dylan   Composer
Joan Baez   Liner Notes,Original Liner Notes
John Byrne Cooke   Illustrations
Bill Purcell   Musician
Kenny Buttrey   Musician
Langston Hughes   Liner Notes,Original Liner Notes
Jack Lothrop   Associate Producer,Original Album Producer
Hal Rugg   Musician
Fred Carter, Jr.   Musician
Junior Huskey   Musician
Richard Manuel   Composer
Norbert Putnam   Musician
Maynard Solomon   Producer,Original Album Producer
Buddy Spicher   Musician
Harold Bradley   Musician
Grady Martin   Leader,Musician
Hargus "Pig" Robbins   Musician
Johnny Gimble   Musician
Pete Wade   Musician
Tom Vickers   Compilation Producer
David Gohr   Photography