Personnel: Joan Baez (vocals, guitar); Mary Black (vocals); Mimi Farina, Dar Williams, Tish Hinojosa, Amy Ray, Emily Sailers, Mary-Chapin Carpenter (vocals, guitar); Kate McGarrigle (vocals, banjo); Paul Pesco (vocals, guitar, dobro); Anna McGarrigle (vocals, accordion); Janis Ian (vocals, piano); Fernando Saunders (vocals, bass); Carol Steele (vocals, percussion); Pat Crowley (piano).
Recorded live at The Bottom Line, New York in April 1995.
This live album, recorded at a 1995 performance at New York's legendary Bottom Line, finds folk godmother Joan Baez moving through some of the highlights from across her long career, but it's much more than just a retrospective. Baez was among Bob Dylan's first interpreters in the early '60s, and she never stopped seeking out great material. So in addition to returning to the likes of Leonard Cohen's "Suzanne" and the Band's "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," Baez brings her distinctive touch to more contemporary fare, such as the Indigo Girls' "Welcome Me" and Dar Williams' "You're Aging Well." Not only that, she brings Williams, the Indigo Girls, and others onstage to chime in with her, effectively completing the conceptual circle.
Professional Reviews
Q (9/95, p.111) - 3 Stars - Good - "...Baez dusts off the rusty old Queen of Folk tiara and gets down to the familiar regal business with practised aplomb..."
Sing Out! (Vol.41 #1, p.130) - "...an understated gem....Joan is in fine voice here, her guitar playing is crisp, and a trio of backup musicians...provide tasteful accompaniment throughout..."
