Diamantes

"Diamantes" was released by UK's Proper Records. There is no date references on the liner notes for the tracks; but I did find information on Joan's website which describes this set: Proper Records announced the general release of Diamantes in the European markets on March 9, 2015. Diamantes was originally created for Joan's tour of South America in 2014. This special CD combines Spanish language songs culled from the 1988 recording of Diamonds and Rust in the Bullring with some in concert favorites and two newly recorded versions of the Portuguese songs "O'Cangaceiro" and "Ate Amanha/Te Ador."Joan's voice is in fine form from these recordings. On the two Portuguese recordings "Ate Amanha/Te Ador" that was recorded in Brazil and the live "O Cangaceiro" which seem to be the most newly recorded, her voice is in fine form. The tracks are midtempo songs with simple percussion. Mercedes Sosa's vocals compliment Joan's on the delightful "Gracias a la Vida." Joan's rapport with the crowd on the closing track "No Nos Moveran" is a sheer delight.Of my two favorite English-language tracks, the Steve Earle cover from his "I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive" CD (2011) opens the set in live performance. With Joan's masterful touch, it is a stately homage to belief, "I believe in miracles, something sacred burning in every bush & tree; And we can all learn to sing the songs the angels sing." Her take on the classic Paul Simon penned Simon & Garfunkel classic "The Boxer" is delightful with the ironic twist of a woman singing the lyric, "When I left my home and my family, I was no more than a boy." It's lovely. "Diamantes" is a bit of a patchwork release from different timeframes in Joan's career, but achieves unity by her masterful performance. Enjoy!

Joan hasn't lost a step. She especially shines when she sings in Spanish. Such infectious, upbeat powerful songs. Great CD!

perfect as usual

Inspiring.

perfect

This woman never stops pleasing me with her God given voice. This cd is a must have for all fans of Joan. She now sings with orchestration back up. The song 'gracias a la vida' is hair raizing.

The quality of her singing isn't up the advertisement for this cd.

Heart stirring

On this album there are some of the most known hits of Joan Baez sung in English and Spanish with an original instrumentation in a rather latin style. Her voice is far from being that we knew during her youth, but stil pleasant to listen to (not all songs, however, because in some few she is evidently surpassed by the melody). Unfortunately, the producer did not mention where the recordings were done, either the date, which is frustrating for any Baez" s fun. There is no booklet, and the album seems to be designed as a cheaper one. However, many songs are little gems, indeed. Four stars.

This is a wonderful addition to Baez's works--she sings the old standards with subtle lovely changes, presents new songs that carry her singular style and global message, and her voice is richer and warmer than ever. Honestly, if you like Baez, you'll love this CD!

Still as good as she ever was!

Eine schöne Auswahl der Titel, ganz toll zum Entspannen nach einem stressigen Tag. Schade dass die Großen der Folk- und Songwriter-Szene alle schon Ü70 sind.

Was gibt es da zu sagen? Diese Sängerin ist einfach ein Mythos. Viele hat sie besonders in den 60gern und wieder in den 80gern für ihre Werte und ihre Sehnsucht nach einer besseren Welt begeistert. Lange vor Heal the World und dem Unwort vom Gutmenschen hat sie unermüdlich versucht die Übel der Welt aufzuzeigen und mit hohem persönlichen Einsatz versucht, ihren Teil zu einer Besserung beizutragen. Im Westen der USA hat sie amnesty international bekannt gemacht. Dort verleiht man nun jährlich den Joan Baez Human Rights Award. Sie ist heute 74 und ihre Stimme hat sich vom Sopran zum Alt verschoben. Aber sie hat noch das gleiche Charisma und tourt immernoch durch die ganze Welt. Eine aktive Kämpferin für Frieden und Menschenrechte ist sie nicht mehr. Das überlässt sie nun den jungen Leuten, sagt sie. Aber den Spaß an der Musik wird sie hoffentlich noch lange behalten. Auf dieser CD hat sie neuere und ältere Diamanten neu, live aufgenommen und durch ältere ergänzt wie Gracias a la Vida mit Mercedes Sosa oder eine wunderschöne Version von El Preso Numero Nueve. Bei Ihrem Fleiß und dem Repertoire aus einer über 50-jährigen Karriere kommen hoffentlich noch weitere solche Diamanten!