Joan Baez at her best

Intelligent lyrics and melodies that are legendary both within and outside the world of folk music, this combination presents a soprano voice that is so clear and pure like fresh spring water - which is Joan Baez, grande dame and living legend of American Folk Music.

This album is a very good cross-section of the first fifteen years of the now more than 40-year career of this world-class singer and summarizes the most creative and best time of Joan Baez together musically. Solely their legendary version of "We Shall Overcome", which the singer became a figurehead of the American civil rights movement, I have missed on this album. Even "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" (known by the chorus "Glory Glory Hallelujah") would have fit well on the CD.

Otherwise, "The Essential / From The Heart" a successful compilation of the best songs of Joan Baez. The shots were apparently digitally remixed and despite her age of consistently good technical quality.

My personal conclusion: This album belongs in every well-stocked collection of American folk lovers.