Description
Dave Van Ronk – Folksinger – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
(AAA) Lacquers Cut From the Original Master Tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound
Pressed on 180g Black Vinyl
Listening Notes Booklet by Elijah Wald
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released in 1962, Dave Van Ronk’s Folksinger is a powerful album that captures the gritty, soulful essence of the Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 1960s. Known as ‘The Mayor of MacDougal Street,’ Van Ronk was a central figure in the folk revival, mentoring younger artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Tom Paxton while forging his own path as a performer rooted in traditional American folk, blues, and jazz.
Folksinger showcases Van Ronk’s deep respect for the folk and blues traditions that inspired him, featuring stripped-down arrangements that allow his raw, expressive voice and intricate fingerpicking to take center stage. His unique blend of folk, blues, and ragtime, combined with his gravelly, resonant voice, sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. This album captures Van Ronk at his best, delivering timeless songs with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth that has made him a legend in the folk community.
Dave Van Ronk was a pivotal figure in the 1960s folk revival, particularly in the burgeoning Greenwich Village scene. Born in Brooklyn, Van Ronk began his musical career playing jazz and ragtime before becoming immersed in the folk and blues traditions that would define his career. His knowledge of traditional American music, combined with his deep, gruff voice and powerful guitar playing, made him a revered figure among fellow musicians.
By the time Folksinger was released in 1962, Van Ronk was already a well-known performer in folk circles, admired for his authenticity and encyclopedic knowledge of American roots music. Unlike many folk revivalists who focused on a polished or commercial sound, Van Ronk’s style was more raw and unrefined, reflecting the working-class origins of much of the music he played.
Folksinger is a straightforward album in terms of production and arrangement, with most of the tracks featuring just Van Ronk’s voice and acoustic guitar. This simplicity allows the songs to feel direct and intimate, while also showcasing Van Ronk’s exceptional guitar work, which draws from both folk and blues traditions, as well as jazz influences.
Van Ronk’s guitar playing is a highlight of the album, with his mastery of fingerpicking and ragtime-style playing adding depth and complexity to the songs. Tracks like ‘Hang Me, Oh Hang Me’ and ‘He Was a Friend of Mine’ showcase his ability to weave intricate melodies around his voice, creating a rich, textured sound with just one instrument.
Van Ronk’s voice is unmistakable—gravelly, rough, and filled with emotion. His delivery is raw and unpolished, lending an authenticity to the songs that perfectly suits the folk and blues material. On songs like ‘Samson and Delilah’ and ‘Cocaine Blues,’ Van Ronk’s vocal performance conveys the grit and sorrow inherent in the lyrics, while also capturing the joy and humor of traditional folk songs.
Folksinger blends traditional folk ballads with classic blues tunes, reflecting Van Ronk’s deep understanding of both genres. His versions of songs like ‘Cocaine Blues’ and ‘Poor Lazarus’ stay true to the raw, unvarnished feel of the original blues tradition, while his renditions of folk standards like ‘He Was a Friend of Mine’ and ‘Motherless Children’ demonstrate his ability to bring emotional weight to traditional material.
Lyrically, Folksinger draws from the deep well of traditional American folk and blues songs, many of which deal with themes of hardship, survival, loss, and death. Van Ronk’s interpretations of these songs feel both timeless and immediate, as he channels the pain, joy, and resilience found in these old stories.
Many of the songs on Folksinger are rooted in stories of hardship, from the sorrowful lament of ‘Hang Me, Oh Hang Me’ to the tragic tale of ‘Motherless Children.’ Van Ronk’s gravelly voice adds a sense of authenticity to these songs, making the listener feel the weight of the suffering being described.
Tracks like ‘He Was a Friend of Mine’ and ‘Poor Lazarus’ explore themes of death and loss, reflecting the darker side of traditional American folk music. Van Ronk’s stripped-down arrangements allow the lyrics to take center stage, with his emotive voice adding to the mournful tone of these songs.
Despite the often somber subject matter, there’s also a sense of resilience in Van Ronk’s performances. Songs like ‘Samson and Delilah’ and ‘Cocaine Blues’ capture the defiant spirit of folk music, with their lively rhythms and humorous lyrics providing a counterbalance to the darker themes found elsewhere on the album.
Notable Tracks
‘Hang Me, Oh Hang Me’: This traditional folk ballad is one of the album’s standout tracks, with Van Ronk’s deep, gravelly voice perfectly capturing the song’s somber tone. His fingerpicking guitar style adds a sense of movement to the song, making it both haunting and beautiful.
‘He Was a Friend of Mine’: One of the more introspective tracks on the album, this song reflects on the loss of a friend, with Van Ronk’s emotional delivery bringing a sense of melancholy to the lyrics. The song’s simple arrangement allows Van Ronk’s voice and guitar to shine, creating a deeply personal and moving performance.
‘Cocaine Blues’: A traditional blues tune, ‘Cocaine Blues’ is a lively, playful song that showcases Van Ronk’s ability to blend humor with dark subject matter. His bluesy guitar playing and rough-edged vocals give the song a sense of authenticity, while also making it a fun, engaging listen.
‘Samson and Delilah’: Also known as ‘If I Had My Way,’ this gospel-inspired song is one of the more upbeat tracks on the album, featuring Van Ronk’s signature growl and energetic guitar work. The song’s call-and-response structure and lively rhythm make it one of the album’s highlights.
‘Motherless Children’: A traditional spiritual, ‘Motherless Children’ is a haunting, emotional track that deals with themes of loss and survival. Van Ronk’s raw, powerful vocals and intricate guitar work create a sense of sorrow and determination, making it one of the most moving performances on the album.
Folksinger was well-received by critics and fellow musicians alike, who praised Van Ronk’s authenticity, musicianship, and deep connection to the folk and blues traditions. While it may not have achieved the commercial success of some of his contemporaries, the album cemented Van Ronk’s reputation as one of the most respected figures in the folk revival, admired for his deep knowledge of traditional music and his commitment to keeping it alive.
Van Ronk’s influence on the folk scene cannot be overstated. His mentorship of artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, as well as his role in the Greenwich Village music scene, helped shape the direction of the folk revival. Folksinger remains a crucial document of that era, showcasing the raw, unfiltered sound that defined Van Ronk’s approach to music.
Folksinger is a timeless album that captures Dave Van Ronk at his best—raw, soulful, and deeply connected to the roots of American music. His gravelly voice and expert guitar playing bring traditional folk and blues songs to life, while his interpretations of these classic tunes remain true to their origins. The album stands as a testament to Van Ronk’s influence on the folk revival and his enduring legacy as a masterful interpreter of American roots music.
For fans of folk, blues, and acoustic music, Folksinger is an essential listen, offering a window into the rich tradition of American music and the passionate voice of one of its greatest champions.
Track Listing
He Was A Friend Of Mine
Motherless Children
Stackalee
Mr. Noah
Come Back Baby
Poor Lazarus
Samson and Delilah
Cocaine Blues
You’ve Been A Good Old Wagon
Fixin’ To Die
Hang Me, Oh Hang Me
Long John
Chicken Is Nice
