Folk Songs and Instrumentals with Guitar by Elizabeth Cotten

Lisnaholic · 01-08-2012, 08:38 PM

This is a discussion thread for the following album:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

Folksongs and Instrumentals With Guitar (1958) by Elizabeth Cotten

It's a blues/folk album by a woman whose talent wasn't discovered until she was 63 years old. It helped inspire the contemporary folk boom that would happen in the coming decade, and it is an essential listen for any avid fan of the genre. A very unique album...

This album won a recent selection poll of http://www.musicbanter.com/country-f...lbum-club.html - but of course everyone is welcome to join in the debate.

So, anyone have an opinion they want to share ?

Lisnaholic · 01-14-2012, 08:22 PM

If you have ever listened to Doc Watson, John Fahey or the Carolina Chocolate Drops, to mention just three artists envolved in the folk-blues revival that took off in the 1960's, then you really owe it to yourself to listen to this Elizabeth Cotten album. Instead of revival, this is folk-blues survival; the genuine article from someone who actually spent most of her life as a domestic maid, but has still managed to pass on her musical ideas for other acts (see above) to build from - which I now notice is pretty much what JackPat said rather more concisely.
This is a pretty low-fi album with nice guitarwork and although Elizabeth`s voice isn`t technically strong, who can find it in their hearts to criticise such a charming, venerable woman as this ? It`d be like complaining about your Grandma`s hot cocoa :-

Neapolitan · 01-29-2012, 11:13 PM

It is beyond words for me to explain what it means to me to see such a gentle soul possess such an incredible and nature talent when it comes to playing guitar.

GemsOnVhs · 02-10-2012, 05:14 AM

Freight train is a personal favorite of mine. I wish there were videos of her in her younger days to be honest; though the singing in her twilight years adds a unique feel to the vocals.

View Poll Results: Folk Songs and Instrumentals by Elizabeth Cotten
Excellent	2	28.57%
Good	3	42.86%
OK	0	0%
Disappointing	1	14.29%
Awful	1	14.29%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

01-14-2012, 08:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
Lisnaholic ...here to hear... Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: He lives on Love Street Posts: 4,444	If you have ever listened to Doc Watson, John Fahey or the Carolina Chocolate Drops, to mention just three artists envolved in the folk-blues revival that took off in the 1960's, then you really owe it to yourself to listen to this Elizabeth Cotten album. Instead of revival, this is folk-blues survival; the genuine article from someone who actually spent most of her life as a domestic maid, but has still managed to pass on her musical ideas for other acts (see above) to build from - which I now notice is pretty much what JackPat said rather more concisely. This is a pretty low-fi album with nice guitarwork and although Elizabeth`s voice isn`t technically strong, who can find it in their hearts to criticise such a charming, venerable woman as this ? It`d be like complaining about your Grandma`s hot cocoa :- __________________ "Am I enjoying this moment? I know of it and perhaps that is enough." - Sybille Bedford, 1953

02-10-2012, 05:14 AM	#4 (permalink)
GemsOnVhs Groupie Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 9	Freight train is a personal favorite of mine. I wish there were videos of her in her younger days to be honest; though the singing in her twilight years adds a unique feel to the vocals.