With a cast of instrumental all-stars, folk vocalist
Judy Collins creates a mini-masterwork on
Who Knows Where the Times Goes.
Collins' strength as a storyteller and interpreter are at their forte throughout the disc. Likewise, she wanders upon the precipice of less traditional folk and more toward rock ("Hello Hooray") and even country/rock ("Poor Immigrant") -- the latter of which is a cover of a
Bob Dylan composition. Additionally, her inimitable choice of material --
Collins' sole contribution being the languid ballad "My Father" -- serves the disc well. This is especially true of
Ian Tyson's (of
Ian & Sylvia fame) "Someday Soon," which in time became one of
Collins' signature tunes. However, it is her interpretations of
Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" and the biblically based "Story of Isaac" that are perhaps the most stunning. Both the laid-back pedal steel guitar work of
Buddy Emmons on "Bird on a Wire" as well as the stark accompaniment of
Michael Sahl's intricate harpsichord melody on "Story of Isaac" create unique sonic imagery that mutually distinguishes as well as defines
Collins' reading from the comparatively staid originals. However, it is "First Boy I Loved" -- originally recorded by
the Incredible String Band -- that singularly defines the mood and timbre of
Who Knows Where the Time Goes. The inherently ethereal composition is adorned by
Stephen Stills' tasty, yet restrained, fretwork that blends seamlessly with
Collins' own acoustic guitar. Together they support -- without becoming overpowered by -- the featured rhythm section of Jim Gordon (drums) and
Chris Etheridge (bass). Enthusiasts of
Judy Collins rank this among their favorite recordings and it is likewise a perfect touchstone for the burgeoning listener as well. ~ Lindsay Planer