Artist: Geoff & Maria Muldaur
Album: Pottery Pie (1968) Sweet Potatoes (1972)
Label: Omnivore Records
Release Date: 3.30.2018
These two releases of much-loved and admired back-catalogue albums come from the late ’60s/early ’70s, when the music was still fresh and open to experimentation and experience. Back then, the Muldaurs were pretty well welded at the hip, a genuinely remarkable musical force and couple to be reckoned with. It’s hard to look back and think of joint efforts from the era—like Dylan and Baez—without considering the roots role played by this inspired pairing.
Both albums have a decidedly period feel and vibe, with echoes of the old Mud Acres offerings rippling through. While Geoff’s fretwork has always been pure quality—as these older offerings clearly illustrate—Maria, of course, went on to considerable commercial success with the ever-popular “Midnight at the Oasis,” while Geoff seemed content to drift in the background, more an admired sideman guesting on countless acoustic albums where his input was always greatly admired.
In truth, it’s no easy thing to pick out a favorite release here, they both hold merit and a sort of naive delight at times. Many will probably lean towards Sweet Potatoes for its deliciously drawling, stoned-vibe touches of Amos Garrett and a track-listing that includes older blues standards such as Skip James’ “Hard Time Killing Floor,” where Maria’s voice is more focused, raw and shredded, giving a clear indication of just what she could do and presaging what she now delivers with a richer timbre and force these days. Her vocals on “Pottery Pie” also suggest a clear blues-leaning with covers from Memphis Minnie and Son House included. Whatever the preference, these are albums well worthy of reissue and must surely be a welcome addition to any modern roots collection.
—Iain Patience
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