in Joan's 1987 bio, "And A Voice To Sing With", she says she was pressured by the record company to use Fred Hellerman (of the Weavers), on some of the album's songs. Fred btw, was honored this year for Lifetime Achievement at the Grammy Awards (if i remember correctly, Ronnie Gilbert was seated beside him - but, i'm not sure of that fact.)

sometime last year, I saw Joan on a PBS show (i think it's called Mountain Stage), and she sang several Child Ballads. the effect was breathtaking. and then, she floored me by singing and accompanying
herself solo (she also sang the Child Ballads solo w/ guitar) on Diamonds and Rust (her guitar work sounded just like the recording - full and polished, but, not flashy)....it was just amazing! clearly, the audience was spellbound too. it was a stunning performance.

Folkie