TOWNES VAN ZANDT
In The Beginning (Compadre)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Some of the best news for country and folk music fans in recent years was Tomato Records' reissue of their Townes Van Zandt archives. When that project was completed, most people figured the tale was pretty completely told. There was, however, one more chapter to write. A preface, really.

The existence of a set of songs recorded in a demo session two years before Townes' album debut was a matter of legend, but no one knew where they were, and no one really expected to find out. While the Silver Dollar Music (the publisher co-owned by Townes' ex-wife and executor Jeanene Van Zandt and his first publisher and producer Jack Clement) was being digitized, though, up turned the ten songs that had been recorded in 1966.

For the most part, the songs on this collection wouldn't make the cut when Townes Van Zandt started picking material for his commercial releases two years later, but within them are the seeds of songs that those familiar with the Townes Van Zandt songbook will know. Of course, material that didn't make the cut for Townes could well be A list material in the catalog of many songwriters, and there are some real fine songs here, songs that well deserve this long delayed debut. Personally, I find the greatest value in the performances. Recorded without release in mind, they're straightforward renditions that display Townes' talents openly and offer a glimpse into his artistic development that's been unavailable to those of us who weren't on hand for the Texas folk scene of the early sixties.

The bottom line is that the world has ten more Townes Van Zandt performances to listen to, and more, in this case, is definitely better.

Track List:

Black Widow Blues * Maryetta's Song * Hunger Child Blues * Gypsy Friday * Waiting For The Day * Black Jack Mama * When Your Dream Lovers Die * Colorado Bound * Big Country Blues * Black Crow Blues

© 2003 - Shaun Dale