Image from Light in the Attic Records
In Volume 1 of Chronicles, Dylan reminisced that Karen Dalton, with her Billie Holiday voice and Jimmy Reed guitar skills, was his favorite singer at Cafe Wha?. And it’s not hard to hear the comparison to Billie.
Upon first encountering Dalton’s singing, my reaction, besides astonishment at the broken-hearted beauty of her melancholy blues, was to wonder “where is she from?” For while Dalton made her name in the 60s New York folk scene, she hails from Oklahoma and sounds undeniably Country. And though I’ve yet to hear anyone claim Lady Day sounded like a country singer -- her perfect diction isn’t exactly what most country singers are known for -- the title to Dalton’s second studio album, In My Own Time, nicely illustrates one of the main parallels between the two singers: a world-weary Southern languorousness which refuses to hurry-up for anyone.
Karen Dalton - In My Own Dream [buy]
Though I’d say this isn’t what Bob had in mind, another prime comparison arises from the limited vocal range of both singers -- neither possesses a big voice. Early in her career, this “lack” to Billie’s voice caused some people to think she wasn’t much of a singer. With Dalton, I have to think the frailty to her voice is a big reason for the “acquired taste” backhanded compliment paid to her. But both singers turn this lack into intimate presence. Before her recording career took-off, Billie played the Harlem clubs for tips, walking from table to table, singing low to individual tables and amazing the patrons with her ability to improvise endlessly. (Microphones weren’t permitted anyway -- amplified sound might drift into the streets, calling unwanted attention to an illegal club.) Known for her extreme reluctance to perform, in studio or live settings, Dalton’s voice effortlessly signifies anti-modern country blues authenticity.
Karen Dalton - Blues On My Ceiling [buy]
Even on her second, more heavily produced album, In My Own Time, there are moments, as during the end of “Something On Your Mind,” when Dalton seems to sing to herself, as though she is so caught up in the song that the performance is secondary -- which only makes the performance that much more powerful. (Easy to see comparisons to the eternally shy and performance-averse Nick Drake.)
Karen Dalton - Something On Your Mind [buy]
Obviously, Dalton never attained Holiday’s popularity, but she may finally be getting some of the attention she deserves. It never hurts to have Bob sing your praises in the first volume of his autobiography. So if you haven’t found your way to her music yet, both of Dalton’s two studio albums are well worth your time. She's an absolutely singular artist.
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