San Antonio rose

Press, 3 June 1982, Page 14

San Antonio rose

JANIS JOPLIN “Farewell Song” (CBS 58P237714).

Born, in Port Arthur, Texas, Janis Joplin grew from being a nondescript person into a superstar who burned out too soon. Fortunately “Farewell Song” is not: a collection of cheap thrills to revive the past, but a genuine album of previously unreleased live and recorded performances — unlike some of the releases for Jimi Hendrix, for example.

There are really only three albums from which to draw Janis Joplin’s material — “Cheap Thrills,” “I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama,” and “Pearl” - so the addition of this material adds a new perspective to her short career as a rock singer.

The album spans from an “Amazing Grace’’/“High Heel Sneakers.” medley in 1967, with Big Brother and the Holding Company, through to June, 1970, on “Tell Mama,” with the Full Tilt Boogie Band in a live concert, in Toronto. The med-

ley is the worst track on' the album — Rod Stewart does a far better version of. “Amaz-

ing Grace," on “Every Picture Tells A Story," than this off-key cover. On the other hand, "Tell Mama," the opening track on “Farewell Song," sends shivers up the spine as Joplin’s voice is : introduced. “Misery’n” is another outstanding track, if only because Sam Andrews’ guitar has the same gutsy style that characterised his playing on “Cheap Thrills," and "Raise Your Hand” is an excellent example of her soul/gospel style.The title track, written by Sam Andrews, seems to be a premonition of her death, it is a superb ballad, giving an extra edge to the ■■album. However, "One Night Stand,” recorded; with Paul Butterfield Blues Band in Los Angeles,', in March, 1970, is disappointing in its lack of energy. . .

Also the . sleeve notes by Country Joe McDonald are inadequate, both on the songs themselves: and as an obitu-

ary. But this album is highly recommended to those who liked Janis. ALBERTA HUNTER “The Glory of ... Alberta Hunter" (CBS 58P237744). This is Alberta Hunter’s third album, after she resumed her singing career — unwillingly at first, it has to be admitted, because when she was “rediscovered” she was a nurse-aide in an American hospital and did not want to lose her job. Alberta Hunter was 85years old when her second album, “Amtrak,Blues,” was released, so based on that the lady must be about 87 yearsold now. “The Glory of. . > Alberta Hunter” is exactly that. This album is partly influenced by • gospel music, in contrast to “Amtrak Blues,” which is more a celebration of the sensual. “Glory” opens with “Ezekiel Saw The Wheel,” a gospel song, which is given the joyful Alberta Hunter voice. It is followed by a more down-home piece, “I've Had Enough (Alberta’ blues),” a recent composition

which contrasts with "You Can’t Tell the Difference after Dark,” which was recorded • by Alberta in 1935, but never released, and her own composition, “The Love I have for You,” which was recorded by her in 1937.

“You Can’t Tell the Difference after Dark" is an interesting Dixieland-style song ' about people being equal under-the bedclothes no matter what the colour of their skin.

The amazing thing about Alberta Hunter is her ability to put emotions into her singing, certainly a gift that many younger soul singers would ,'love to have. She ad libs a couple of songs, and even sings one song (“I Love You Too Much”) partly in English and partly in Hebrew. having heard the beautifully sung tune in Israel.

My own preference is "Amtrak Blues,” because of its free-spirited approach, but the mixture of blues, jazz, and gospel influence here are more than sufficient to guarantee a spot in the collection — and space for further Hunter releases. - NEVIN TOPP.