Ian & Sylvia's debut album is their most standard affair, and indeed a fairly typical contemporary folk recording, with such traditional warhorses as "Rocks and Gravel" (also recorded, but not released, by
Dylan during the same time), "C.C. Rider," and "Handsome Molly." What made the pair immediately distinctive was their superb vocal dueting, which was definitely a case of the sum being greater than its parts. Blended together, they canceled each other's weaknesses and gave the material great freshness and vigor.
Ian's guitar and
Sylvia's autoharp are backed by stellar playing from guitarist
John Herald and string bassists
Bill Lee (director
Spike Lee's father) and
Art Davis. ~ Richie Unterberger