Description
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott – Ramblin’ Jack Elliot – 180 Gram Baby Blue Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please exclusive pressing.
VMP Exclusive Vinyl Edition
(AAA) Lacquers cut from the master tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound.
Pressed on exclusive 180g baby blue vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Kyle Kramer
VMP Essentials
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is a self-titled studio album by American folk musician Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, released in 1961 on Prestige/Folklore Records. Elliott, known for his storytelling, fingerpicking guitar style, and authentic folk sound, was a key figure in the American folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s. Often considered one of the most influential artists in the genre, he was instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional American folk music and influencing a generation of musicians, including Bob Dylan.
Elliott’s distinctive style is rooted in the traditions of the American West, as well as the influences of his mentor Woody Guthrie, with whom he traveled and performed. “Ramblin’ Jack Elliott” showcases Elliott’s ability to breathe new life into traditional folk songs, cowboy ballads, and Guthrie-inspired tunes. His mix of humor, storytelling, and folk authenticity makes this album a standout in his early discography.
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott (born Elliott Adnopoz) grew up in Brooklyn, New York, but developed a fascination with cowboy culture and the American West from an early age. In his late teens, he ran away from home to join the rodeo and later became a protégé of Woody Guthrie, one of the most iconic American folk musicians. Through Guthrie, Elliott learned the art of folk storytelling and the tradition of traveling musicians.
By the time Ramblin’ Jack Elliott was released, Elliott had already made a name for himself in the folk scene, performing in coffeehouses and clubs, and recording several albums in the 1950s. He became known for his rambling, conversational singing style and his ability to capture the essence of American folk and cowboy songs.
The album consists of a mix of traditional folk songs, cowboy ballads, and a few original compositions, all delivered in Elliott’s straightforward, unpolished style, accompanied primarily by his acoustic guitar. Elliott’s charm as a performer lies in his ability to make each song feel personal and lived-in, as though he’s sharing stories around a campfire.
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott captures the essence of traditional American folk music, with themes of the American frontier, travel, and personal storytelling. Elliott’s rough, unpolished voice and his conversational delivery give the album a sense of authenticity, as if each song is a personal tale he’s sharing with the listener. Many of the songs reflect the experiences of working-class people, the hardships of life, and the open-road freedom that Elliott himself embodied.
Elliott’s guitar playing is central to the album, with his fingerpicking style rooted in the traditions of American country blues and folk. His guitar work, while simple, is effective in supporting the narratives of the songs, allowing the lyrics and stories to take center stage. Elliott’s style is also heavily influenced by Woody Guthrie, not only in his choice of material but in his ability to convey a sense of timelessness and place through music.
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott was well-received within the folk music community and helped further establish Elliott as one of the most authentic voices in the American folk revival. Although not a commercial blockbuster, the album’s raw, stripped-down approach was admired by fans and critics for its dedication to preserving traditional American folk music.
Elliott’s influence would only grow in the years following the album’s release. He became a major influence on younger folk musicians, particularly Bob Dylan, who admired Elliott’s commitment to folk traditions and his close association with Woody Guthrie. Dylan would later call Elliott one of his key influences, and Elliott’s influence can be heard in the early work of Dylan and other 1960s folk artists.
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is often cited as a crucial figure in keeping traditional American folk music alive during the 1950s and 1960s. His dedication to the craft, his love for storytelling, and his deep respect for Woody Guthrie’s legacy made him one of the most important voices in the folk revival. Ramblin’ Jack Elliott stands as an enduring testament to Elliott’s artistry and his role in preserving American folk traditions.
For fans of traditional folk music, country blues, and anyone interested in the roots of American singer-songwriter culture, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott remains an essential album. It reflects the simplicity, honesty, and heart that define the best of American folk music.
Track Listing
Sadie Brown
East Virginia Blues
I Belong To Glasgow
The Cuckoo
Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms
South Coast
San Francisco Bay Blues
The Last Letter
I Love Her So/I Got A Woman
Candyman
Tramp On The Street
Railroad Bill
