Two Old Folkies With New Albums

Folk music legend Rambin’ Jack Elliott releases a new album of music, featuring songs by the Carter Family, Leadbelly, and others. Plus Dylan has a new album coming.

Two old folkies have been on our minds of late here at Folk101. First is that infamous, rough-and-rowdy grandfather of underground folk music, Ramblin' Jack Elliott. This summer he released his first album since 1999, entitled I Stand Alone, and this week we'll be bringing you our expert assessment of the new work from this 75-year-old living legend.

For those of you who don't know, Ramblin' Jack was an early member of the American folk movement. Born during the Depression in Brooklyn, he became inspired to pursue a musical career after seeing Gene Autry perform at a rodeo in Madison Square Garden. At the age of 14, he traded the Big Apple for the ropin'-and-ridin' circuit, eventually attracting the attention of the legendary Woody Guthrie.

The album features a collection of lost and underappreciated folk favorites, including songs by the Carter Family, Hoagy Carmichael, and Leadbelly. He also includes a rare original composition, in which he reminisces about his experiences with Guthrie.

Throughout his career, Elliott has inspired the likes of Lou Reed, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, and Beck, and in the 1960s, he personally mentored a young Bob Dylan. Check back for the review, and maybe you will someday find yourself among this group.

Speaking of Dylan, the man who was recently named "The Best Living Songwriter" (was there ever any doubt?) by Paste Magazine will be releasing his first new album in five years on August 29, 2006. We know all of you are waiting with bated breath, so check out the set list and ponder this question: Does the title Modern Times signal a return to a more politically-charged style of songwriting for the old master?

We'll have to wait and see. Until then, have a good week and check back for the Ramblin' Jack Eliot review on Wednesday.