By far, one of my favorite folk musicians is Townes Van Zandt. His songwriting, guitar playing, and vocals were remarkable. His recorded legacy isn't as good or as even as it deserved to be. His life was tragic and predictable: a bipolar disorder, a drug addiction, and alcoholism haunted him, but the beauty of his music shone through so brightly that I cannot help but marvel every time I listen to him.

I am not the only one that felt that way either, as he was beloved by Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Norah Jones, and Lyle Lovett, and other superstars, who covered his songs and popularized them. The truth is that Townes singing his own songs is a truly profound experience, and even the likes of Willie, Merle, and Emmylou can't improve upon Townes.

In my opinion, the best of Townes' recordings are Townes Van Zandt Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas, and A Gentle Evening with Townes Van Zandt. You can get a copy of Live at the Old Quarter from Acoustic Sounds, but I haven't found A Gentle Evening anywhere on LP, although you can find it on CD at Amazon.

I promise that you'll be awed by this American folk musician and his beautiful lyrics, personable style, thoroughly profound music, and tragic life. I can't recommend these two albums highly enough, and if you find A Gentle Evening on LP anywhere be sure to let me know!