lately i don't feel much like talking

Listening to Richie Havens' album Mixed Bag I can't believe that he was only 26 when he recorded it. His voice is smooth but rough, polished yet raw. Havens has the undeniable quality of sageness. You can't help but give in and believe every word he sings.

This week I found a live album comprised of performances from 1970 and 1972 in Washington D.C. and Santa Monica, CA titled Live at The Cellar Door. The opening track is "I Can't Make It Anymore" - one of my favorite Gordon Lightfoot covers - and boy does he start the set out right.

I Can't Make It Anymore - Richie Havens

If you haven't experienced much of Richie Havens' music I would suggest poking around his discography, especially his early stuff. His unique style of strumming and open tuning was showcased quite nicely when he kicked off Woodstock, providing the accompaniment for the opening scene of the 3-day love and peace fest.