Noel
In her early days Joan Baez's beautiful soprano rang like a bell, so it's no surprise that it's the perfect instrument for a set of ancient carols and Christmas favorites. Arranger Peter Schickele (of Public Radio International'sSchickele Mixand P.D.Q. Bach fame) wisely sets Baez off against a background of traditional instruments on this 1966 chestnut, mixing her honeyed tones with the burrs, tinkles, and whispers of lutes, harpsichords, and recorders. "Coventry Carol" is gorgeous, moving in a way that few holiday songs do anymore. "Carol of the Birds" is enchanting. And Baez's quivery "Silent Night" is, quite simply, a gift.Noel(whose songs of peace were a quiet protest against the war in Vietnam) is an enduring, graceful classic.--Michael Ruby