Live at the Turf Inn, Scotland

Buffy Ford, John Stewart's wife, has accompanied him on his albums frequently, singing backup and harmony vocals, but she has gone more than 25 years since being co-billed on an LP. That would be 1968's Signals Through the Glass, the last Stewart/Ford album before 1996's Live at the Turf Inn, Scotland, which was recorded November 4, 1994, at a tiny club in Dalry, Scotland, before an audience of about 100. Stewart accompanies the duo on 12-string guitar, and Ford adds some percussion. The set list is a good collection of highlights from Stewart's solo career (only "Cody" comes from Signals Through the Glass), plus some traditional songs that give Ford a chance to take the lead vocals. There are also a few new Stewart originals, including the story-song "Monkey Boy" and the anthemic "Sing My Heart Away." Ford's light soprano is a good complement to Stewart's throaty, formal tenor, and she adds color to these stripped-down arrangements, making this a good way for Stewart fans to reacquaint themselves with some of his better material and a good introduction to those who have not followed him until now. ~ William Ruhlmann