Early Judy Collins

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: leeneia
Date: 09 May 21 - 09:51 PM

I just studied the list of songs that Joe Offer posted in May, 2003. I never owned those albums, but I sing eight of those songs.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 09 May 21 - 09:31 AM

She started young. She made her public debut at age 13, performing Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos. One at a time, I imagine.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Nick
Date: 09 May 21 - 05:49 AM

She sings it well. The old recording messes with the guitar but the singing is good.

Almost as good as my wife ;)

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 08 May 21 - 04:03 PM

I love that song too. There is a lovely cover of "My Father" by the late Irish folk singer, Anne Byrne. Anne had a following mostly in Ireland. She passed away, Dec. 28, 2020.
You can hear Anne's cover on Youtube. Just type in her name and "My Father" to hear it. It was released on one of her albums back in the 1960's in Ireland.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Nick
Date: 07 May 21 - 06:08 AM

DaveRo - that perhaps explains something. I saw her at the Albert Hall in the late 1960's and she forgot the words to one of her songs after the first line...

She was a big hero of mine and "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" album I still enjoy and the musicianship is wonderful. And then "Recollections" influenced me a lot. We had a record club at school and people would bring their albums in - 1968ish imagine the wealth of music from folk to blues to rock to ... and my friend Bill brought in "Who Knows..."

This will sound awful. When she sings at her best on the most suitable material (IMHO) I think she is astonishing. There are lots of things I don't enjoy but things like "Anathea" or "Winter Sky" or "Farewell" or... still sound good to me.

And she was a very decent guitarist and pianist as well. I'm not sure whether it was her guitar part on Suzanne (not a favourite) but the guitar part is very clever.

Not the obvious person with a problem at the time. Glad she is still going.

A total aside. I once made the mistake of trying to sing "First Girl I Loved" because of her version. Never made that mistake again. Big error.

My favourite is still "My Father" which I love trying to encourage my wife to sing (she sings it well but never sings it) which I love as a song. And her version of "In My Life" still influences the way we play it.

Nostalgia, eh?

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: DaveRo
Date: 06 May 21 - 04:23 PM

11 years later...

Judy Collins: ‘When I found folk music, I also found drinking’

I found I could play guitar, sing a song and have a few drinks. You can’t do that when you’re practising Rachmaninov

The 82-year-old US folk singer talks through her teenage years, from mental health struggles to wondrous romance in the Rocky mountains.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 09:00 AM

Yes, I saw that. I thought it was from about '71 or '72 but I may have been wrong. Yes, it was great.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 08:31 AM

Her 1960s England gig was on BBC 4 recently - very good, in my opinion.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 08:08 AM

....And?

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: artbrooks
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 07:07 AM

Note - restart of old thread.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 06:56 AM

Don't know if it counts as 'Early' but for my money the one record of Judy's I'd never want to be without is 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes'. Besides the title track (and I know it's heresy but I still think it's the best recorded version, even with the slightly cheesy key change) it's one of the few American albums of the time that sits comfortably alongside the great British folk-rock albums of the time like 'Basket of Light', 'Liege and Lief' and 'Please To See The King'.

Part of the reason for that is the band - Stephen Stills, James Burton, Buddy Emmons, Chris Etheridge, Van Dyke Parks and the brilliant but sadly doomed Jim Gordon (who later developed schizophrenia and ended up serving a life sentence for the murder of his mother).   I think Joshua Rifkin was in there as well. Very typical of Judy to spot a great song like 'Who Knows' when no-one else had recorded it.

'Pretty Polly' stands alongside Fairport's 'Tam Lin' and 'A Sailor's Life' as one of the great rock settings of a traditional song. If she's keeping an eye on this thread, however (which she seems to be), I'd have to ask her one question about the sleeve:

That hat. What WERE you thinking?

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST,jc fan
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 03:37 AM

does anyone know the chords to the fisherman song cannot find them anywhere

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Bearheart
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 08:15 PM

Due to a friend moving in with us for the summer I was "forced" to go through all my old LPs in storage in order to make room, trying to decide which to get rid of-- Listening again to my collection of her music (along with the Farinas and a gob of others) and realizing I just can't get rid of this stuff! (Despite the fact that much of it is old and scratched.) Friends of my parents gave my sister and me our first two the summer I turned 12(or was it 13?)-- Wildflowers and In My Life-- and I was fortunate to pick up the earlier stuff later-- It all accompanied me through college and beyond-- I do think that Living and Who Knows Where the Time Goes are also great stuff...

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Mudlark
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 05:34 PM

Altho Cynthia Gooding was my first love in folk music, Judy Collins was and is a close second. I have her remarkable first few albums to thank for a lot of the songs I love to sing. I still remember seeing her during a recording session...can't remember how I was lucky enough to be in the small audience, took the day off work, it was somewhere in Hollywood. She was doing Pretty Polly, a hard song to do over and over, but because of external glitches of one kind or another she had to do several takes. She apologized to her audience but there was no need...every rendition was perfect, yet every one was different, every one powerful and affecting. It was a stunning display of poise, grace, talent and consumate professionalism.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: artbrooks
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 09:43 AM

Cobber, I think Amazon will ship outside the US. They have several international sites, but none in Oz.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: cobber
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 09:06 AM

The Judy Collins Concert is one of the reasons I haven't retired my old turntable. It's scratched and worn from a million late night sessions when I was younger than today. It's great news that it's coming out again. Does anyone know if it has international release, I mean I know John Howard thinks we're the 52nd state but a lot of good stuff never reaches here.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: bbc
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 08:24 AM

I appreciated getting this info; I just ordered the 4 of them. And, yes, Judy does have Mudcat as a link from her site, so I guess she does visit/has visited us. Pretty neat. Welcome, Judy!

best from NY,

bbc

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 12:44 PM

The first 4 albums are available - check the Judy Collins website
for a sale-all 4 for $20 (that's $5 each!!!).
Thomas.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: JJ
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 01:37 PM

"Sons of..." is indeed a great song by Jacques Brel. Judy sings it in the English version by Eric Blau and Mort Shuman.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: erinmaidin
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 09:19 AM

Had the rare opportunity to step away from Irish trad., last week, and do a two hour folk concert. I had so much fun putting together songs that I'm only just now realizing, shaped who I am today. Amongst those songs were two I'd heard from Judy Collins. One was "sons of" with the evergreen line "some went to war...some never came home" and then "My Father" which has become poignant to me even tho' my "Paris" is Dublin.
I can't help but saying this with my tongue in my cheek and a bit of a giggle "FOLK MUSIC ROCKS"!!!! (you may quote me)

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: JJ
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 09:05 AM

Make sure you get the single LP "Hootennanny at the Limelight." The five-LP boxed set has a different sets of recordings entirely. As I said, I think Walter Raim is one of the singers. As for the picture, I believe it was taken at the Limelight, because it has that strange yellow glow to it I've seen in other color photos taken there. But I have no idea who the people in the picture are. This photo was also used for a Time-Life Folk Music collection.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST,John Bryant
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 12:54 PM

Re: JJ and Hootenanny at the Limelight/The Wanderin' Five and The Appalachians (Somerset.) I was flipping through the record bin last week at the local Goodwill here in South Jersey and came across a very good copy of the album, which I had never seen. I passed on it, but came home and did a web search and found that Judy Collins had sat in on the session, so I went back immdediately and bought it. Just played it and she does a lot more than "sit in." Her voice soars throughout and raises the album to a gem. A very well recorded album - "...all the human ear can sense and hear." It is unimaginable that not only is she uncredited but so are the rest of the musicians (uncredited, that is.) There is a wonderful fiddler who is not even represented on the cover (who are these people? are they really some of the musicians?; he and the banjo picker (who?) are great on Black Eyed Susie, a traditional mountain tune. There is a strong Weavers influence - just listen to the final cut, Lonesome Valley, and it's as though Pete Seeger's twin is singing his heart out. There are some copies available on the Web -- no I'm not selling anything. I'm keeping my copy! As Judy sings on Oh Mary Don't You Weep: "One of these mornings in the warm sunrise, God's gonna call me and give me the prize"

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 28 May 04 - 07:24 PM

Try..."If you ever need a friend"....an early big flop but a lovely song.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Willie-O
Date: 28 May 04 - 07:09 PM

Just found out she is booked for Ottawa Folk Festival, August 28.

Yowsers! I want that compilation!

W-O

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 28 May 04 - 11:09 AM

OMG! If that was really a Judy Collins posting, I'm in folk heaven!

..xx..e

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GracieK
Date: 28 May 04 - 11:03 AM

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: freda underhill
Date: 28 May 04 - 07:58 AM

There is a good unofficial Judy Collins page run by Richard Hess which has archival information on recordings, videos, and links to other info about Judy.. it is at:

http://www.richardhess.com/judy/index.htm


freda

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 28 May 04 - 12:10 AM

And of course, "Jack of diamonds, Queen of spades" is a pinochle. But you already knew that.

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:14 PM

My response above is in regard to the song that GracieK is looking for.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:12 PM

I am searching for the lyrics to a song I heard sung by Judy Collins some time ago. I don't know the name of the song, but it contains the lyrics "jack of diamonds, queen of spades, fingers trembling ..."

The song is "The Dealer The Dealer (Down and Losin')" and was written by Canadian singer-songwriter-dentist Bob Ruzicka. Judy recorded it, circa 1972, on her album "True Stories and Other Dreams" on Elektra Records. Amazon.com has it for $9.99.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST,Peter T.
Date: 27 May 04 - 05:33 PM

It is worth noting that Judy's web site has a direct link to Mudcat, so why wouldn't it be her?

It is also worth noting that a whole pile of her early albums are being reissued (Forever is a great compilation).

If she ever returns she could solve our thread question about who really wrote the music for her version of Golden Apples of the Sun.

In my humble opinion the best thing she ever did was the kick-ass live version of "Bird on The Wire".
yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 May 04 - 05:20 PM

The Wanderin' Five was just auctioned on the Mudcat - and I got it! Courtesy of Jean Ritchie who also said she would identify others n the LP. They are way too young in the picture for me to recognize. Maybe Sandy and Caroline can help.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GracieK
Date: 27 May 04 - 01:41 PM

Hi Everyone.

I am searching for the lyrics to a song I heard sung by Judy Collins some time ago. I don't know the name of the song, but it contains the lyrics "jack of diamonds, queen of spades, fingers trembling ..."

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Kudzuman
Date: 31 May 03 - 07:36 PM

Eeeeek! Mudcat withdrawal for 10 days. Thanks to all for the feedback and info on the Judy Collins stuff. She was and is wonderful. I had this major lust going on when I was a teen just for the voice alone. I dreamed once of changing sexes so I would sound like that....woke up still a baritone and came to accept it!! See ya'll all around!

Kudzuman

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: JJ
Date: 31 May 03 - 01:32 PM

If you want early uncredited Judy Collins, you can often lay your hands on the following at eBay:

Hootenanny at the Limelight/The Wanderin' Five and The Appalachians (Somerset)

I don't know who anyone else on this recording is, but you only have to listen for five seconds to identify the Collins voice.

Railroad Bill/The Homesteaders (Riverside)
with Ronnie Gilbert and Walter Raim

Raim was a close personal friend of Ms. Collins, as she tells us in her autobios.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Willa
Date: 31 May 03 - 08:00 AM

Kudzuman.I got the 'Maid of Constant Sorrow'CD. as a Christmas gift, and agree with your comments. It's wonderful; so hard to pick a favourite, though I particularly like 'The Great Silkie' and 'Golden Apples'. Hope the next CD is out in time for this year's Christmas wish list.

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 May 03 - 01:00 AM

I don't know whether to believe the third poster was Judy Collins or not. I have my doubts, but the information is accurate.
-Joe Offer-

---

Here's the information on the new album (from here - click):

We are pleased to announce the 3rd release from Wildflower Records – "Maids & Golden Apples" (WFL-1299) -- a re-issue of Judy Collins’ groundbreaking first two Elektra albums, "Maid of Constant Sorrow" and "Golden Apples of the Sun." The album includes approximately 75 minutes of classic folk songs such as John Riley, Bonnie Ship the Diamond, Wild Mountain Thyme and the CD’s namesake – Maid of Constant Sorrow and Golden Apples of the Sun. Liner notes include the lyrics to all 24 tracks plus a personal introduction by Judy Collins. Both albums will be released on one CD and will list at $17.98.

1. Maid of Constant Sorrow
2. The Prickilie Bush
3. Wild Mountain Thyme
4. Tim Evans
5. Sailor’s Life
6. Bold Fenian Men
7. Wars of Germany
8. O Daddy Be Gay
9. I Know Where I’m Going
10. John Riley
11. Pretty Saro
12. The Rising of the Moon
13. I See the Moon*
14. Golden Apples of the Sun
15. Bonnie Ship the Diamond
16. Little Brown Dog
17. Twelve Gates to the City
18. Christ Child Lullaby
19. Great Selchie of Shule Skerry
20. Tell Me Who I’ll Marry
21. Fannerio
22. Crow on the Cradle
23. Lark in the Morning
24. Sing Hallelujah
25. Shule Aroon
    *bonus track

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: Kudzuman
Date: 30 May 03 - 09:14 PM

This is totally too cool and thanks for the reply Judy! I definitely will buy the CD's!! You were a major influence in my early life as a folkie! You and Paxton and Dylan and too many others too numerous to mention. Thanks for all the great songs.

Kudzuman

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: GUEST,Judy Collins
Date: 30 May 03 - 07:36 PM

Thanks for your interest.

My first two albums, A Maid of Constant Sorrow andGolden Apples of the Sun, have been reissued as a CD called Maids & Golden Apples.

The next two, Judy Collins #3 and The Judy Collins Concert, will be out as a single CD sometime later this year, or early next year.

Please visit my site at www.judycollins.com.

Judy

Subject: RE: Early Judy Collins
From: artbrooks
Date: 30 May 03 - 06:18 PM

All available at Amazon.

Subject: Early Judy Collins
From: Kudzuman
Date: 30 May 03 - 06:13 PM

Ah! Just pulled out some old vinyl (remember those big black discs we all loved?) and found "A Maid of Constant Sorrow", "Golden Apples of the Sun" and "Judy Collins #3". That was some truly great stuff. Pared down and simple and so powerful. What a voice!! I believe that these are the first 3 recordings. I think I'll convert them to CD if I can't find them on CD already (which I doubt!). They hold up beautifully over the years. You just can't disguise quality!!

Kudzuman