900 Miles - Woody Guthrie

Advantages: Brilliant and Original Compositions
Disadvantages: A Bit Rough around the Edges For Modern Tastes

...BRIEF (ISH) INTRO TO WOODY Now most people have heard of Woody Allen and some people may have heard of Woody Woodpecker - but who the heck is, or was, Woody Guthrie? Born in 1912 in Oklahoma, Woodrow Guthrie was, probably, the most respected of the American protest folk singers of the 1930s, 40s and 50s. In fact you could say he was the protest singers’ protest singer! Remember Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Donovan, Pete Seeger and the rest? Well, Woody Guthrie was the inspiration behind all of them. More recently, Bruce Springsteen has also seen fit to worship at the shrine of Guthrie. Bob Dylan, in particular, hailed Guthrie as a hero and went to great pains to visit ‘The Legend’ as he lay dying in hospital. If you recall the ‘talking’ and ‘rambling’ style of Bob Dylan, then you’ve actually heard a (not too clever) version of Woody... Read review

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Advantages: Ideal example of Miles' style at the time - funky and fun.
Disadvantages: Not for everyone (but definitely worth a shot)

...Miles Davis was one of the most influencial musicians of the last century, constantly innovating as a jazz sideman, soloist and bandleader. The trumpeter was at the forefront of bebop, 'cool' jazz, rock fusion, and funk. "Jack Johnson" falls in the middle of Miles' fusion period, with such albums as the famous "Bitches Brew" and "In a Silent Way". Track Listing 1. Right Off (26:52), 2. Yesternow (25:34) History This music was written by Miles as a soundtrack to the documentary "A Tribute to Jack Johnson". Johnson was a black boxer, heavyweight champion in 1908. He was a black symbol - Miles, always acutely aware of racial prejudices, felt a connection with Johnson. Unusually, Miles wrote liner notes himself for the album, showing his strength of feeling - he says how Johnson was sophisticated, into wine, cigars... Read review

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Advantages: Fantastic music, His voice, BOB DYLAN has arrived!
Disadvantages: none!

...: this is the longest song on the album at 5 minutes 15 seconds, unless you play it on loop like me for a few hours! 'Freight Train Blues' comes flying along with a fast paced Harmonica supported by a rapid Guitar. Dylan sings parts of this song like a train. Baffled? Well though it seems so unlikely Dylan actually extends 'ooes' words to sound like a train's whistle hooter, you know blowy thing! "Bloooooooooooooooooooooooes" Dylan sings, extending on one occasion for just under 20 seconds before returning his voice from it's dying tones to rapid up beat giggly country boy singing. This song has to make you smile, it's amusing in it's greatness and Dylan's voice is again shown to be utterly unique and he to a brave owner of it! 'Song To Woody' is Bob Dylan's tribute to Woody Guthrie the legendary folk singer and someone Dylan really looked up to. It... Read review

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