The June 10 release of Green Rocky Road fills in the lacunae in the rightly romanticized mythos of the late folk music legend Karen Dalton and goes a long way in clarifying her crucial role in the evolution of modern acoustic music from “folk” source materials. The only formal studio recordings made during her lifetime — released in 1969 and 1971 respectively — were thoroughly dissected upon their recent re-release. As wonderful as these albums were, they captured Karen in relatively awkward circumstances. Green Rocky Road, along with last year’s Cotton Eyed Joe, provide a rare glimpse of Karen Dalton circa 1962 and 1963 at her most pure, most powerful, and at ease. These recordings, released by Megaphone Music, document her unique artistry at the time she was profoundly influencing the likes of Fred Neil, Tim Hardin and Bob Dylan. I’m including a link to footage of Karen performing “It Hurts Me Too” in her inimitable style – accompanied by her own 12″ string guitar playing.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y-BIKjypNsE