The real deal
She is a stunning musician - singer and guitarist - and I first heard her in the psychedelic/blues rock group Fear Itself and their eponymous album of 1969 [though I discovered this much more recently having missed out at the time]. Apparently they played at Woodstock and she knew Hendrix - how cool is that?
The first four tracks of 'The Real...' sum her up: brilliant guitar, including slide, and the most acrobatic vocals at times, as on the track 'Lazy Day', though its manic mannerisms challenge the listener. I don't know what happens on the third track 'Up The Richmond' but she seems to be altering the tuning throughout the song. Later albums, like 1987's 'Looking For Trouble' have a more jazz, reggae and world music influence [for example the track 'Woodo Woodo Jamin's Australian Song']. She seems to play electric more than acoustic guitar on later recordings. The voice is still amazing.
We all know Janis but how many have heard of Ellen?
No comments:
Post a Comment