Most of a year's additional experience, as well as getting that first album behind her, shows
Judy Collins singing with less stridency and a lot more confidence on her second LP, whether she's doing English-based ballads such as "Fannerio" or gospel tunes like "Twelve Gates to the City." Accompanied by her own guitar and
Walter Raim on second guitar, with
Spike Lee's father, Bill Lee, on bass, she generates a much more attractive sound and body of work, with a freer, less rigid approach that gives the songs a chance to breathe and flow. There's also a more easygoing pleasure evident on the part of the singer, which carries over to the recording in lots of subtle ways. ~ Bruce Eder