This week’s An Album A Day theme is, “Covers! Covers! Covers!” That is, albums that feature unique arrangements or interpretations of recognize able songs. And what better way to kick off the new week than with an album that is comprised entirely of covers! Sadly I don’t know too much about this album, but it was released in 1971 by BCG Records (as far as I know they don’t have any other releases). According to the liner notes it was recorded at KINTEL Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. The “band” was pretty minimal, with Betsy performing acoustic guitar and singing alongside Pam Rose (lead guitar), and Laymon Jackson (bass).The songs were written by Tim Hardin, Bob Dylan (two songs), Leonard Cohen (two songs), John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Kris Kristofferson, Judy Collins and Ian Tyson.
Although plenty of pictures of the album cover exist online, not much in the way of biographical information is available on Betsy. It’s a shame this Betsy Legg isn’t the recording artist or I might be more inclined to ask about that album she recorded back in the early 70s. Then again, when was the last time I posted a private-press LP and had a plethora of information about the artist? It doesn’t happen all that often. Usually I put out the call for someone else to contact me if they know more, and maybe 70% of the time someone comes through. Other than that, it’s kind of up in the air when it comes to learning about who Betsy is (was?) and what became of her.
As for the songs? They’re pretty good! It’s hard to get an idea of her talent when she’s playing other people’s songs, but she’s an adequate guitarist with a decent voice. It’d be interesting to learn if Betsy ever wrote her own songs. And why didn’t she use the correct song title for “Famous Blue Raincoat” if she was going to give Cohen credit for writing that tune? I mean, that’s probably the least important question I’d ever ask Betsy, but I think it’s funny the song bears a different title.
The cool thing about this particular album is that it’s signed by Betsy to someone named Margo. Oh, and it includes a note from the original purchaser dating the time and location of their purchase. Dante’s Down The Hatch! Atlanta! 1979!
…And it entered my collection on February 27th, 2014. Ta da!
Betsy, if you’re out there, get in touch.
Betsy Legg
Betsy
(BCG Records – BCG-27201, 1971)
01. Reason To Believe [Tim Hardin]
02. Tomorrow Is A Long Time [Bob Dylan]
03. Love Minus Zero – No Limit [Bob Dylan]
04. That’s No Way To Say Goodbye [Leonard Cohen] [MP3]
05. Leaving On A Jet Plane [John Denver]
06. Four Strong Winds [Ian Taylor]
07. In The Morning Rain [Gordon Lightfoot]
08. The Blue Raincoat [Leonard Cohen]
09. My Father [Judy Collins]
10. Help Me Make It Through The Night [Kris Kristofferson]
