Judith [Import]

Originally a folksinger, Judy Collins was also known as an art song singer when this LP was released in 1975. She had also begun to record her own compositions more frequently.

The late Arif Mardin, well known for his fine and sophisticated productions, produced and co-arranged "Judith."

This album offers more than 44 minutes, which was quite generous at the time.

The songs include three Collins originals and nine cover versions.

Judy's compositions are: "Houses", "Song for Duke" and "Born to the Breed". They are of a high quality and sit comfortably next to the well-chosen cover songs written by talented composers. My favourite one is "Born to the Breed", a country-tinged song where she speaks about her son - a touring musician - and goes back through details over her lives together. "Song for Duke", written as a tribute the then recently departed Duke Ellington is also very moving. The melody is memorable and the lyrics are poignant. "Houses" is a lushly arranged romantic tune of impossible love (?) featuring well-crafted lyrics.

The nine covers are songs of either vintage or recent origins at the time.

Among the older tunes is her heartfelt version of the bitter, depression era "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" (1931). The lovely, melodic "I'll Be Seeing You" (from 1938) receives a quality reading from Judy.

Mick Jagger and Keith Richard's "Salt of the Earth", originally an acoustic blues/rock track on the Rolling Stone's "Beggars Banquet" (1968) is also reprised. Although supposed to be a toast to the common people, the Stones' lyrics included the verses "They don't look real to me / In fact they look so strange" which give the song a sardonic edge.

Judy Collins chose to sing "They look so real to me / And they look so much in pain" instead, thereby removing the poison out of the original. However, I find that the rock arrangement is overpowering and does not suit Judy Collins's style very well. It is the weakest track here.

Joan Baez cover of the same song on her "Blessed Are..." 2-LP set from 1971 benefited from a much quieter and sympathetic arrangement from Norbert Putnam.

Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim composed "Send in the Clowns" for a 1973 production. Its melody makes it difficult for most singers, but Judy's soprano excels here (arguably bettering Frank Sinatra's cover.) It made the US pop singles, peaking at #36 at the time of release. In 1976, it received a Grammy Award for "Song of the Year". Subsequently, the single reached the #19 spot in 1977 (it would prove, alas, to be Judy's last top 20 single.)

The remainder of the tracks were, at the time, recent compositions by mainly young singer-songwriters.

"The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress", the sad Jimmy Webb ballad is lovely rendered. Joe Cocker recorded it first in 1974. It suits Judy's voice and style perfectly.

Another choice cut is Judy's performance of "Angel, Spread Your Wings", one of the very underrated Danny O'Keefe most delightful compositions, and a standout track on his 1973 "Breezy Stories" (which was also produced by Arif Mardin.)

Written by Pat & Victoria Garvey, "The Lovin' of the Game" had been masterfully covered by Steve Goodman on his second LP "Somebody else's Troubles" (1972.)

In 1970, the same Steve Goodman composed "City of New Orleans" - the best track from his eponymous, masterful debut LP from 1971.) Judy does more than justice to one of the best train songs ever written.

Wendy Waldman composed "Pirate Ships" and released her version from this beautiful lullaby on her own first LP from 1973 ("Love Has Got Me".)

The musicians are first-rate session pros. Engineer Phil Ramone is his usual masterful self and the recorded sound is beautiful. So beautiful, actually, that the original US Elektra LP is often cited as an audiophile recording.

The original 1990 CD release was not as good but, in early 1998, I had the opportunity to buy a much better US, HDCD remastered version. Joe Gastwirt did the remastering.

The sound on this CD is very fine. My CD sports two distinct reference numbers: Elektra 111-2 (on the CD label) and the same reference on the CD spine. Another reference - Elektra 7559-60517-2 - is printed (above the barcode) on the back insert. The most distinctive sign is the HDCD logo, which appears on both CD label and back insert.

This is a true masterpiece, one of my three favourite Judy Collins albums (alongside "In My Life" (1966) and "Who Knows Where the Time Goes" (1968). It is a must for anybody remotely interested in the singer/songwriter genre.

Judy Collins album Judith was capable of touching the innermost recesses of your mind and soul as it swept through the spiritual, emotional and poignant lyrics of some of the best writing and singing to be found on the seventies side of Eva Cassidy.
Piercing clarity, only equalled by the look from her eyes on the cover, this is really an album with few equals. It has never faded and will defy anyone's attempts to date it.
The best from one of the Greats!

This is a lovely album and my only regret is not hearing it all sooner.Well chosen songs by a classy lady and a voice as fresh and pitch as clear as a beautiful cloudless sky.The string arrangements are second to none and ' Brother Can You Spare A Dime ' is exceptional.This is a sadly neglected Judy Collins album in my opinion but one of her best that should not be overlooked.