Search - Odetta :: One Grain of Sand

One of Her Finest

James Morris | Jackson Heights, NY United States | 12/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD represents Odetta's most important vanguard release; I can't believe that I appear to be the first to review this glorious album.



I ordered this CD as soon as it became available. I have loved the original vinyl album for so long that I had literally worn it out. Odetta is regarded as something of an anomaly in the folk world, as there seem to be few African-American musical artists who have concentrated their craft on folk music. That's a shame, since many songs that have historically been labeled "spirituals" have more in common with folk than Blues or Gospel. Many of the songs presented in this wonderful album are in fact spirituals in the African-American tradition. Moses, Moses and Sail Away Ladies are two fine examples, and were chosen to open this recording. Midnight Special, the well-known public domain song about the Underground Railroad, has been recorded by hundreds of artists in many different genres, including folk, pop, rock, bluegrass and country. I have heard many artists perform this song, and the most effective rendition for me has always been Odetta's. In the hands of a lesser artist, songs like Cotton Field can come off as trite or exploitative; this version by Odetta evokes serenity and makes you want to hop a train and visit home, wherever home may be.



For folk purists, there is her outstanding reading of Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies, and she transfers the standard Cool Water, a song made famous by the western group Sons of the Pioneers, into a folk masterpiece.



A friend of mine saw Odetta perform just a few months ago (September 2005) and said she still delivers a great show, oozing class, taste and pure musicianship. Yep, that's Odetta.



Highly recommended."