Sings Ballads, Blues & A Spiritual

Vinyl Format. "Not infrequently I am taken to task for the manner in which I approach my material," wrote folk singer and guitar player Dave Van Ronk (1936-2002). His words appeared in the original liner notes to Ballads, Blues, and a Spiritual. A white New Yorker singing traditional Southern black songs, he distinguished himself from others who adopted this repertoire by imitating the way he heard black musicians perform. "Although I can appreciate the 'white approach' to Negro folksongs and enjoy the work of many of its adherents, I still reserve the right to sing these songs in the style to which I am accustomed, partly because of habit, and partly, I confess, because I feel that my way is the 'right way'," he went on to say. Originally released in 1959 on Folkways, this was Van Ronk's first record. It contains the tracks 'If You Leave Me Pretty Momma,' 'Backwater Blues,' 'K.C. Moan,' 'How Long,' and 'John Henry'. Liner notes include photos, lyrics, song histories, and an introduction by Van Ronk."