Eric Andersen is a legend: an original Greenwich Village folkster, his influence cannot be overestimated. Eric played at Newport Festival in 1966 and rode the Festival Express in 1970; his mastery of guitar was cited as an example by Joni Mitchell and his songs were covered by a myriad of performers, including Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash who respected his poetry and melodicism. Three years ago Andersen also became a subject of a documentary titled “The Songpoet” – and now this movie has lent its title to a marvelous collection of the veteran-penned pieces that got recorded by a host of prominent artists.
The three-CD set called “Tribute To A Songpoet” which will be released on October 21st features musicians who are in one way or another linked to Eric. There are members of his family and friends singing his classics – for the most part laid down specially for this project, although a few numbers already saw the light of day. There’s an unheard Dylan’s version of “Thirsty Boots” and new take on “Salt On Your Skin” from Albert Lee, the well-know rendition of “(I Ain’t Always Been) Faithful” by Linda Ronstadt and recent delivery of “Eyes Of The Immigrant” by Lucy Kaplansky – all in all 42 tracks possessed of a great love for the great writer and feeling indispensable.
Tribute To A Songpoet
Disc One:
1. Thirsty Boots – Bob Dylan (previously recorded and unreleased)
2. Goin’ Home – Richard Shindell
3. Eyes Of The Immigrant – Lucy Kaplansky
4. You Can’t Relive The Past – Syd Straw
5. Salt On Your Skin – Albert Lee
6. Before Everything Changed – Scarlet Rivera
7. Rain Falls Down In Amsterdam – Willie Nile
8. Cold Country – Elliott Murphy
9. Ain’t No Time To Bleed – Eric Bazilian
10. Foghorn – Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams
11. Singin’ Man – Eric Lee
12. Blue Heart – Paul Lamont
13. Rain Are Gonna Come – Evan Stanley
14. Violets Of Dawn – Mary Chapin Carpenter (previously recorded)
Disc Two:
1. Moonchild River Song – Dan Navarro
2. Hills Of Tuscany – Janis Ian
3. Time Run Like A Freight Train – Wesley Stace
4. Woman, She Was Gentle – Scott Severin feat. Stateleigh Holmes
5. Sweet Surprise – Arlen Roth
6. Baby, I’m Lonesome – Denice Franke
7. Listen To The Rain – Sari Andersen with Debbie Green (previously recorded)
8. Belgian Bar – Steve Postell
9. Trouble In Paris – Robert Aaron
10. Driftin’ Away – Signè Andersen
11. Six Senses Of Darkness – Steve Addabbo
12. Come Runnin’ Like A Friend – John Gorka
13. Mary I’m Comin’ Back Home – Happy Traum
14. Blue River – Amy Helm
Disc Three:
1. (I Ain’t Always Been) Faithful – Linda Ronstadt (previously recorded)
2. Wind And Sand – David Buskin & Robin Batteau
3. The Hustler – Don Graham
4. Is It Really Love At All – Alice Howe
5. Sheila – Jim Wurster
6. Miss Lonely Are You Blue – Lenny Kaye
7. Round The Bend – Inge Andersen (previously recorded)
8. Song To J.C.B. – Dom Flemons
9. Come To My Bedside, My Darling – Simon Keats (previously recorded)
10. For What Was Gained – Joyce Andersen (previously recorded)
11. Dusty Box Car Wall – Cliff Eberhardt
12. Waves Of Freedom – THE KENNEDYS
13. Close The Door Lightly When You Go – Richard Barone feat. Allison Moorer (previously recorded)
14. Blue River (live) – Rick Danko (previously recorded)
