Joan Baez entertained a capacity audience at the Royal Concert Hall on Saturday January 17th 2004. The years may have passed, but her voice remains untouched.
Her brilliant performances of Farewell Angelina, It's All Over Now Baby Blue and Diamonds and Rust were much appreciated by the crowd, enchanting Bob Dylan and Joan Baez fans alike.
Baez also premiered some new songs, written by a collection of new folk/country artists many years her junior. These included Time of Need (Ryan Adams), Motherland (Natalie Merchant) and Christmas In Washington (Steve Earl).
There were plenty of old favourites as well such as There But For Fortune, Joe Hill, Love Song To a Stranger and Plane Crash at Los Gatos (originally penned by Woody Guthrie).
One Bob Dylan fan was particularly excited during the gig, repeatedly shouting for One Too Many Mornings from the balcony. Unfortunately, having recently seen Julie Felix perform the song at Mansfield, his (rather indecipherable) request went unheard.
However, a lady near the front row requested Diamonds and Rust and that was performed. In all the times I have seen her play Joan Baez has always pleased the crowd with this classic song.
Josh Ritter, the supporting singer songwriter bravely took the stage early on and gave a brilliant solo performance. Mention must also go to the four piece Baez backing band, a group of highly accomplished musicians who give always 100% whenever they perform.
The fans gave a standing ovation after the encore of Lily of the West. Baez was back in town and after four decades she's still got it!
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