Wildflowers

In the ‘60s, Judy Collins went from a folksinger to a cultured vocalist of artistically exquisite folk songs with classical underpinnings. Her version of Joni Mitchell’s “Michael from Mountains” and three covers of Leonard Cohen (“Sisters of Mercy,” “Hey That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” and the rarity, “Priests”) made her a true advocate for the budding singer-songwriters. Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” would become one of both Mitchell’s and Collins’ beloved tunes. Collins brought it to mainstream acceptance with a beautiful arrangement. Jacques Brel’s “La Chanson Des Vieux Amants (The Song of Old Lovers)” is exactly the grand piano piece that exemplifies Collins’ abilities to glide through genres. However, it’s also the emergence of Collins the writer that fuels the success of this 1967 release. “Since You Asked,” “Sky Fell” and “Albatross” are songs that hold their own. Collins would never be a prolific writer, but when committed, she penned some important songs during her career.

These are clear adjectives used best when describing the style and grace of Judy Collins and her album Wildflowers.