Before Bob Dylan and after Woody Guthrie, America had a favorite hobo-esque folk singer whose name was Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Jack befriended both contemporaries and has consistently been playing folk music for his entire life, but has gotten little attention outside of the traditional folk music scene.
With his new album I Stand Alone, he keeps to his American folk traditions of filling it with mostly covers with only a few original tracks. The vocals are stronger than Jack has ever recorded, and his quick finger picking seems as fast as the day he learned to play.
While he does have a bit of help with some backup musicians on these sixteen tracks, I Stand Alone truly showcases the talent possessed by this man. This record is to Jack Elliott what the American records were for Johnny Cash. Obviously his most distinct, and best sounding work to date. I mean, he sings songs about his dog who loves pork chops, how can it get any better than that? Appreciate this living icon while you can, because folk music doesn’t get any more real than Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
Chris Smith
Ramblin’ Jack Elliott (Anti)