Dave Van Ronk - On Air

Those lucky enough to have seen Dave Van Ronk perform still recall his easy command of his material as well as his raffish charm as a raconteur. Among his live albums, On Air ranks high for its clarity and directness, giving everyone a chance to experience how compelling this folk legend could be onstage. This recording of a 1993 show in Bremen, Germany, finds Van Ronk’s powers undiminished in his mid-50s. His gravelly purr and gentle whispers are as captivating as ever, as is his deft acoustic guitar work. The setlist draws feely from his songbag of vintage folk, blues, and jazz tunes, with a sprinkling of Tin Pan Alley material for good measure. Favorites like “Good Old Wagon,” “Stack-O-Lee," and “Green Rocky Road” show off his sly phrasing and tasty fingerpicking. Blending idioms and eras, Van Ronk finds the common thread linking traditional tunes like “Spike Driver’s Moan” with the proto-rock ‘n' roll of “Kansas City” and “Rock Me Mama.” The spoken introduction to “God Bless the Child” gives a taste of Van Ronk’s skills as a storyteller, adding to this album’s appeal.