Sixty Four Sessions

These demos made in the summer of 1964 for Donovan's eventual recording contract are the earliest recordings in his extensive catalog. The 18-year-old can already be heard coming into his own, though his debt to Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan is clear. "Crazy 'Bout a Woman" is a rendition of a Jesse Fuller track (also covered on Bob Dylan's self-titled debut album as "You're No Good"). "Talkin' Pop Star Blues" is a humorous talking folk song in the style of Bob Dylan imitating Woody Guthrie. Scottish folk is represented with a touching interpretation of Ewan MacColl's "Dirty Old Town"; it alone is worth the price of admission. "Isle of Sadness" was reworked as "Belated Forgiveness Plea." "The Darkness of My Night" was retitled "Breezes of Patchulie" and later appeared in a grander arrangement. "Freedom Road" is credited to the poet Langston Hughes and Emerson Harper. "Co'dine" and "London Town" were previously issued on Troubadour: The Definitive Collection 1964-1976. These recordings should interest fans of Donovan's early acoustic music. His beautifully expressive style is already present.