Joan Baez Noel CD

The 2001 remastered edition of NOEL features 6 bonus tracks and new cover art as well as a replica of the original cover and liner notes.

Originally released on Vanguard (79230). Includes original liner notes by Joan Baez and reissue liner notes by Peter Schickele.

An unexpectedly delightful collection of traditional Christmas carols, 1966's NOEL is one of a handful of Joan Baez albums arranged and produced by Peter Schickele--better known as comedic classical performer P.D.Q. Bach--during the mid-'60s. Even more than 1968's baroquely-orchestrated BAPTISM, NOEL sounds more like a Peter Schickele album than a Joan Baez album. Nearly a third of the 17 tracks are instrumentals on which Baez doesn't even appear, and although her voice is front and center throughout, Schickele's arrangements largely use it as merely another instrument in his ornate arrangements. A German-sung version of "Ave Maria" and a delicate rendering of "Coventry Carol" are particularly beautiful.

When Joan Baez began recording and performing during the late '50s and early '60s, she carved out a niche for herself as a remarkable singer of traditional music. In 1966 she released Noel, an album of seasonal songs notable for its variety and the fact that she sung two selections in German. One would expect to see "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and "Deck the Halls," but Baez adds lesser-known gems like "Ave Maria" and "Coventry Carol," along with instrumental versions of "Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella" and "Adeste Fideles." The arrangements, while not unusual for a holiday album, were something new for a Baez album. Lutes, violas, harpsichord, strings, and wind instruments provide a classical setting for Baez's lovely soprano. In this setting, her voice becomes more formal and mannered. The 2001 reissue of Noel also includes several bonus tracks, including a French version of "Away in a Manger." Baez's fans will probably be split on the quality of the album. Fans of her early traditional albums will find these arrangements and stylized vocals miles away from folk music; fans of Baez's pure soprano who never concerned themselves with genre purity will find Noel a must-have album for the holidays. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Digitally remastered by Jeff Zaraya.

This is part of Vanguard's Original Master series.

Personnel: Joan Baez (vocals, guitar); Peter Schickele (arranger, conductor).

Producer: Maynard Solomon.

Reissue producer: Mark Spector.

Personnel: Joan Baez (vocals, guitar).

Liner Note Authors: Joan Baez; Peter Schickele.

Photographer: Marshall Fallwell.

Unknown Contributor Role: Georgette Cartwright.

Arranger: Peter Schickele.