Jefferson Starship - Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty
http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/08/31/134344.php
Written by David Bowling
Published August 31, 2008
Life is good as founding member Paul Kantner remains in control of
The Jefferson Starship. Long time cohort David Freiberg is still
around as is guitarist Mark Aguilar. Cathy Richardson is now the lead
female vocalist. She starred in the off Broadway production about
Janis Joplin's life. Richardson's voice is powerful and pure but is
closer to a Grace Slick sound than Joplin's, which should come as no
surprise. Even Marty Balin joins the Starship for a couple of tunes.
Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty finds the Starship traveling in a new and
unique musical direction. Succinctly put, this is a folk album. Songs
such as "Pastures Of Plenty" by Woody Guthrie, "Chimes Of Freedom" by
Bob Dylan, and "I Ain't Marching Anymore" by Phil Ochs are all
presented in classic vocal form. Kantner and The Jefferson Starship
can't quite escape their rock 'n' roll roots as the instrumental
background veers from the classic folk formula. Think the Weavers in
rock mode.
The first track sets the tone for most of the album. The old Weavers
tune, "Wasn't That A Time," features the voices of Kantner, Freiberg,
and Richardson. Richardson provides a wonderful balance on most of
the harmonies contained on the album. This old historical folk song
is enhanced by the violin of San Francisco music scene veteran David LaFlamme.
Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty is a virtual journey through folk
history. The traditional "Follow The Drinking Gourd" is a
metaphorical song of the underground railroad and features more
harmonies by Kantner, Freiberg, and Richardson. The Phil Ochs protest
song, "I Ain't Marching Anymore," is just Cathy Richardson's voice
accompanied by an acoustic guitar.
It is interesting to hear a female sing this traditional male song.
"Chimes Of Freedom" is the first Dylan song that the Jefferson
Starship or The Jefferson Airplane ever recorded. "Kisses Sweeter
Than Wine" is the Weavers poignant love song. "Royal Canal" is the
old Ian & Tyson tune about prison. Kantner strips the song to its
basics and duets with Diana Mangano. "Come with the dust and gone
with the wind' is a line from Woody Guthrie's "Pastures Of Plenty"
which is presented in a version loyal to the original.
There are some other pleasant surprises contained on Jefferson's Tree
Of Liberty. David Freiberg shines on the old Dino Valenti/Quicksilver
song, "Cowboy On The Run." This gentle song of protest is resurrected
with a modern sound. It's nice to have Marty Balin back. He brings
his clear voice to the pure pop song, "Maybe For You." Richard Farina
wrote "The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood" shortly before his death. Here
Darby Gould sings the song a capella.
Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty is not only an excellent album, it was
also unexpected. Maybe that is the best part of Paul Kantner and The
Jefferson Starship's latest release. The twists and the turns take
the listener on a wonderful journey through a history of American
folk music. It is a journey well worth taking.
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