JO STAFFORD - American Folk Songs (1962-2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Jo Stafford was one of the few Swing-era popular singers who was able to communicate the homespun beauty of the American folk idiom. Not surprisingly, since she always brought a Midwestern serenity, even a devotional quality, to just about everything she sang, even the most soaring big-band numbers. In this, she is reminiscent of the great Wagnerian soprano Kirstin Flagstad, who also brought a restrained, serene delivery to highly emotional material. AMERICAN FOLK SONGS, from 1950, benefits from the highly musical, Copland-like arrangments by Stafford's husband and long-time musical partner, Paul Weston. Judy Collins once said that she decided to become a folk singer herself after hearing "Barbara Allen" from this album for the first time. That would be a high recommendation, if nothing else. Richard Mortifoglio
Tracklist:
1 Shenandoah 3:38
Traditional
2 Black Is the Color 2:58
Traditional

3 Old Joe Clark 1:43

Traditional

4 Wayfaring Stranger 3:02

Traditional

5 Barbara Allen 2:57

Traditional

6 Single Girl 2:14

Traditional

7 Red Rosey Bush 2:56

Traditional

8 I Wonder as I Wander 3:07

Traditional

9 Cripple Creek 1:30

Traditional

10 The Nightingale 3:26

Traditional

11 Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier 2:52

Traditional

12 Sourwood Mountain 1:46

Traditional

Credits:

Conductor – Paul Weston  (tracks: 1-12)

Vocals - Jo Stafford