Hey, as long as the beans are refried...

Their performing styles, when I saw them, couldn't have been more different. Ms. Collins swept onto the stage immaculately gowned and coifed (good word, coifed) while Ms. Baez just walked out in her jeans, said hi, and started singing. As mentioned above Ms. Collins show seemed to be scripted, while Ms. Baez seemed spontaneous and really is funny at times. I assume that the off-color joke Michael mentioned is the same one that Ms. Baez told in Dallas. I doubt that Ms. Collins ever used that joke in her act.

Musically I thought they were both very good, though presented differently. Ms. Collins accompanied herself on twelve-string and piano (a full-sized concert grand on that muddy Oklahoma hilltop), with one other musician who also played the piano. Ms. Baez had a ripping good band with her who joined in on vocals, and pretty much stayed in a comfortable singing range. Ms. Collins was in fine voice when I saw her and did her songs as I remember them from the radio, though maybe a little wobbly in places. As a matter of personal taste I like Ms. Baez's folksier repertoire better than Ms.Collins' artsier repertoire.
- Phil

Truth in Advertising: I've always enjoyed both Baez and Collins' music, but am not a rabid fan of either. I've never owned any of their recordings, though my wife has Judy Collins Greatest Hits that she likes. I went to see Baez because I was gifted with tickets and saw Ms. Collins as one of many acts at a festival.