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Sleeve Notes
It took nine long years for Glenn's singing to be recognized. Glenn Yarborough, at the age of nine, began his singing career as a choir boy in the Grace Church of Lower New York. Eighteen years later he made this record, "Come sit by my side." Although Glenn's voice got deeper since his choir boy days, he still retains the freshness that won him his first success. Here, Glenn brings folk music up to date, sings in a manner that modern listeners will understand and appreciate. It is the pleasure of Tradition record company to bring you this novel, youthful approach to the old songs.
A Korean veteran, and later a veteran of soldier shows touring Japan, Korea, the Phillipines and Okinawa — Glenn has known war and a bit of the world, too. He has sung his way around North America — from New York night clubs to concerts in Mexico City; and he is no stranger on radio and television.
There is little point in trying to tell you in words about this record. We can tell you this: that Glenn is one of those rare singers who have the ability to sing the song as it should be sung rather than to use the song as the medium for the singer's style. Glenn is an honest musician. If you like the singing of good songs, you'll like him. However, listen and judge for yourself. You'll discover, as we have, a new voice.
As'to the songs themselves, there is great variety: "Waltzing Matilda" sung in catchy three-quarter time from Australia; a weird, romantic melody from the mountains of Peru, "Suspires del Chanchamayo"; and that grand old cowboy favorite, "Red River Valley" which Glenn renders with just the right touch of nostalgia.
Among the other exciting songs Glenn gives us here is "The Banks of the Ohio" a spine chilling ballad of murder and passion. In "Dark as a Dungeon", that poignant outcry of the men who work in the mines, the singer makes you feel the pathos and beauty of those tragic lives. For "The Tailor and the Mouse" he has the fine, nonsensical humor that the song requires. With the English ballad, "Capital Ship," he recaptures the gay, breezy vitality and high spirits of the olde Englishmen who first sang it. A remarkable venture is Glenn singing an Elizabethan art song, "Come Again" by Dowland. He not only gets away with it, but comes off with colors flying. It is the proof of his skill and versatility that he can sing this most difficult type of song.
There are songs here to suit every taste, and a voice we are certain you will enjoy.
Russel Graves
