Sings Ballads and Blues
Odetta · 1957
46 min · 16 tracks · traditional folk music · country blues · jazz blues
Odetta's rich, resonant voice intertwines folk and blues with poignant storytelling and emotional depth.
Why this album works
This album is significant for its role in popularizing folk music and the blues, showcasing Odetta's influence on artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez. It received critical acclaim upon its release and reinforced Odetta's status as a vital voice in American music during the late 1950s.
- Best for
- poignant storytelling experiences wave-like pacing dynamics rich emotional depth
- Context
- Released in 1957, 'Sings Ballads and Blues' was Odetta's second studio album, following her debut 'Odetta Sings Folk Songs.' At this point, she was establishing herself as a leading figure in the folk revival movement, known for her powerful interpretations of traditional songs and her contributions to civil rights music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Billie Holiday· Lightnin' Hopkins· Dave Van Ronk
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Santy Anno 1:56
- 2 If I Had a Ribbon Bow 2:43
- 3 Muleskinner Blues 2:51
- 4 Another Man Done Gone Standout 2:12
- 5 Shame and Scandal 2:23
- 6 Jack O' Diamonds 3:15
- 7 'Buked and Scorned 2:42
- 8 Easy Rider 5:07
- 9 Joshua 1:54
- 10 Hound Dog Standout 3:50
- 11 Glory, Glory 2:12
- 12 Alabama Bound 1:42
- 13 Been in the Pen 2:33
- 14 Deep Blue Sea 3:02
- 15 God's Gonna Cut You Down Standout 1:51
- 16 Spiritual Trilogy 6:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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