Some consider Judith (1975) Judy Collins’ best album. The Very Best of Judy Collins (2001) updates the songs since Judith and includes Judy Collins’ early hits. I love Judy Collins’ rendition of “The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.” “Send in the Clowns” is a classic. And so is “Both Sides Now.”
While I prefer Sandy Denny’s version of “Who Knows Where The Time Goes,” Judy Collins comes close to that perfection. “Amazing Grace” is heart-felt.
Despite her successes, Judy Collins has a sad history of addiction to alcohol and drugs. Collins entered a rehabilitation program in Pennsylvania in 1978 and has reportedly maintained her sobriety ever since. Are you a Judy Collins fan? Do you have a favorite song? GRADE: A (for both)
TRACKLIST:
| A1 | The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress Bass Flute – Romeo Penque English Horn, Flute – George MargeLute [Alto] – Bill Slapin*Piano – Judy CollinsViola – Emanuel VardiViolin – Gene Orloff Written-By – Jimmy Webb | 2:59 | |
| A2 | Angel, Spread Your Wings Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Electric Piano – Ken Ascher Guitar – David Spinozza, Hugh McCracken, Steve Burgh Percussion – Ralph MacDonaldSynthesizer [Arp] – Ken Bichel Written-By – Danny O’Keefe | 3:05 | |
| A3 | Houses Written-By – Judy Collins | 4:32 | |
| A4 | The Lovin’ Of The Game Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Charlie Brown (7), David SpinozzaHarmonica – Don BrooksOrgan – Pat RebillotSteel Guitar, Resonator Guitar – Eric Weissberg Written-By – Pat Garvey (2) | 3:03 | |
| A5 | Song For Duke Bass – Tony Levine*Drums – Stephen Gadd*Electric Piano – Pat RebillotGuitar – David Spinozza, Hugh McCrackenHorns – Arthur Clarke, Frank Wess, Garnett Brown, Randy Brecker, Seldon Powell, Tony Studd Written-By, Piano – Judy Collins | 3:33 | |
| A6 | Send In The Clowns Written-By – Stephen Sondheim | 3:57 | |
| B1 | Salt Of The Earth Backing Vocals – Cissy Houston, Denver Collins, Eunice Peterson, Steve Goodman, Sylvia ShemwellBass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Eric Weissberg, Hugh McCrackenOrgan, Electric Piano – Paul Griffin Written-By – Mick Jagger, Keith Richards* | 3:59 | |
| B2 | Brother, Can You Spare A Dime Acoustic Guitar – Eric Weissberg, Hugh McCracken, Steve GoodmanBass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Written-By – Jay Gorney | 3:12 | |
| B3 | City Of New Orleans Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Hugh McCracken, Judy Collins, Steve GoodmanHarmonica – Don BrooksSteel Guitar, Backing Vocals – Eric Weissberg Written-By, Backing Vocals – Steve Goodman | 4:07 | |
| B4 | I’ll Be Seeing You Written-By – Irving Kahal, Sammy Fain | 3:44 | |
| B5 | Pirate Ships Accordion – Dominic Cortes*Cello – George RicciFlute – Romeo PenqueHarp – Corky HaleRecorder – George Marge Written-By – Wendy Waldman | 2:42 | |
| B6 | Born To The Breed Bass – Tony LevinDrums – Stephen Gadd*Guitar – Charlie Brown (7), Eric WeissbergHarmonica – Don BrooksOrgan – Pat Rebillot Written-By, Piano – Judy Collins |
TRACKLIST:
| 1 | Turn! Turn! Turn!/To Everything There Is A Season Bass [Upright] – Bill TakasTwelve-String Guitar [Acoustic] – Jim McGuinn Written-By – Pete Seeger | 3:41 | |
| 2 | So Early, Early In The Spring Acoustic Guitar [2Nd] – Eric Weissberg Written-By – Trad.* | 3:12 | |
| 3 | Suzanne Written-By – Leonard Cohen | 4:26 | |
| 4 | Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues Written-By – Bob Dylan | 5:08 | |
| 5 | Both Sides Now | 3:16 | |
| 6 | Since You’ve Asked | 2:36 | |
| 7 | Albatross | 4:53 | |
| 8 | My Father Piano – Michael Melvoin* | 5:02 | |
| 9 | Someday Soon Electric Bass – Stephen StillsElectric Guitar – James BurtonPiano – Van Dyke ParksSteel Guitar [Pedal] – Buddy Emmons Written-By – Ian Tyson | 3:47 | |
| 10 | Who Knows Where The Time Goes Piano – Michael Sahl Written-By – Sandy Denny | 4:47 | |
| 11 | Chelsea Morning Orchestrated By – Jimmie Haskell Producer – David Anderle | 3:21 | |
| 12 | Farewell To Tarwathie | 4:58 | |
| 13 | Song For Judith (Open The Door) Drums, Percussion – Susan Evans*Electric Bass – Gene Taylor Electric Guitar – Ry Cooder | 4:07 | |
| 14 | Cook With Honey Acoustic Guitar – Bucky Pizzarelli, Steve MandellAcoustic Guitar, Bass [Upright] – Eric WeissbergArranged By [Recorders] – Richard Bell (4)Bass [Upright] – Bob DaughertyCongas, Bongos – Ray BarrettoElectric Bass – Don Payne, Russel George*Percussion – Allan Schwartzberg Written-By – Valerie Carter | 3:31 | |
| 15 | Send In The Clowns Arranged By, Conductor – Jonathan TunickBass – John BealCello – Charles McCracken, Kermit MooreFrench Horn – Albert Richmond*, Larry WechslerGuitar – Cliff MorrisHarp – Abe RosenPercussion – Hank Jaramillo*Piano, Celesta – Thomas PearsonTrombone – Garnett Brown, Vinnie Fanuele*, Wayne AndreViola – George Brown (8), Julien BarberViolin – Al Miller (4), Alvin Rogers, Ann Barak, Bob Rozell, Cy Berger, Dan Reed (2), Guy Lumia, Harriet Reynolds, Harry Cykman, Julie Held, Larry Goldman, Marilyn Wright, Mathilde Pincus, Norman CarrWoodwind – Jerry Smith (17), Joel Kaye, Les Scott*, Bob Steen*, Sidney Weinberg Written-By – Stephen Sondheim | 4:03 | |
| 16 | Amazing Grace |
I like her work—although it’s a bit painful today to hear her trying to hit those high notes that she used to make with ease as a younger woman. Key down, Judy, key down. My favorite song of hers is “Someday Soon” which perfectly encapsulates the feeling of loving someone your family does not approve of—and subtly lets you know there may be reasons for that. A few years ago, Collins published a book called SWEET JUDY BLUE EYES in which she examined her relationship with Stephen Stills and the impact of the most famous song he wrote about her (“Suite: Judy Blue Eyes”). She also discusses her alcoholism and other aspects of her life and career. Highly recommended.
Deb, I have a copy of SWEET JUDY BLUE EYES around here somewhere. With your recommendation, I’ll have to dig it up and read it. Yes, Judy Collins has endured a difficult life. She still performs, but as you say her voice is nowhere near what it was.
Fairport Convention, with Sandy Denny singing lead, as you note, also did an impressive version of “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”…and with Judy Dyble sining lead, a cover of “Chelsea Morning”…and they also did a cover of “Suzanne” in the early years with Dyble.
“Chelsea Morning”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_JnBLc3zsY
Todd, I need to find my FAIRPORT CONVENTION CDs and give them a listen again!
“Suzanne”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEZHD3PGYig
We saw her two or three (my list is at home) years ago with Graham Nash. Aside from her problems with the high notes (as Deb said), she was good. We first saw her (again, my list is at home) in the ’70s in Central Park.
Deb, I like “Someday Soon” too, though I prefer the Tanya Tucker version. We used to have Judith in vinyl. I like several of the songs, like Brother, Can You Spare a Dime and City Of New Orleans.
Jeff, Judy Collins recently arrived in Buffalo to perform with the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra. But we passed on that.
“Who Knows Where the Time Goes?”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkOB57UcYk8
Todd, thanks for the links!
I’ve always liked her voice and she was excellent on some songs–mostly the big hits! I haven’t thought about her in years, though!
Bob, Judy Collins is still touring. But, her voice isn’t what it used to be…
I saw her in concert at the SDSU gym in the 70s, great concert
Maggie, the Seventies were Judy Collins’ heyday. But, her drug problems stalled her career.
“Someday Soon” is a favorite, although I prefer (just slightl9y) Ian Tyson’s original. Also a big fan off “Cook with Honey.”
Jerry, I actually enjoy cooking with honey!