Joan Baez's second album, recorded when she was 20 years old, is a hearty helping of folk masterpieces that give ample evidence to exactly how she was established as a leader of the contemporary folk scene of the day. The material chosen is truly exceptional, from the beautifully stark British ballad "The Trees They Do Grow High" to the tragic tales of death and lost love in "Engine 143" and "Banks of the Ohio," which recall
the Carter Family in presentation as much as spirit. Without a doubt,
Baez's version of "Pal of Mine" is every bit as vibrant as when
the Carters recorded it, though here given a more bluegrass sound by the banjo and backup vocal accompaniment of
the Greenbriar Boys. The traditional Christmas tune "The Cherry Tree Carol" is presented perfectly by
Baez's gorgeous arrangement.
Baez is a true master of her craft, and though she hasn't always made the best choices for material, the 14 interpretations here are as timeless as the songs themselves. Similar to
Bob Dylan's self-titled debut, this is an album that all fans of traditional folk music should seek out. [In August of 2001,
Joan Baez, Vol. 2 was reissued in an audiophile remastered edition, with new annotation and containing three additional songs from the same sessions -- all are a match for anything on the original album, and "I Once Loved a Boy" and "The Longest Train I Ever Saw" count among the saddest, most emotionally enveloping songs of
Baez's early career.]