Boots No. 1: The Official Revival Bootleg

Gillian Welch, “Boots No.1, The Original Revival Bootleg”
Label: Acony Records
Reviewed by: Kim Walter

Bootlegs, outtakes and previously unpublished recordings from he”Revival” album, all original recordings from the 90’s. Lots of good examples of her quintessential sound, described by Grant Alden as “new made old, re-made new” and “lived and lived-in”. Very informative and interesting album insert! Faves: Disc 1:2,3,7, Disc 2: 2,3,4,5,6, **8
DISC ONE
1. slow/med- nice, clear version of this song made famous by Emmylou, written by Welch
2. slow/med- pure vocal harmonies
3. med- Gillian doing blues!
4. slow/med- peaceful ballad full of nostalgia
5. slow/med- classic GW vocals with catchy Bluegrass tune
6. slow- spiritual
7. slow- clear voice sounds like early 40’s or 50’s country
8. slow- A musical rarity! Take one of one of a song performed once! Mainly vocals
9. slow/med- classic country inspired by BG classic “walk softly on this heart of mine”
10. slow- nice duet
*******SEE BACK FOR DISC TWO*******
1. slow/med-earliest recording of classic that made it to Emmylou and the O’Briens
2. med- inspired by Robert Earl Keen, original song is BLUES
3. med- totally unique sound, almost rockabilly sound
4. slow- nocturnal waltz with duet by Gillian and David Rawlings
5. med- duet made famous by Bluegrass greats Tim and Mollie O’Brien
6. slow- duet showcasing album’s central 2 guitar theme
7. med- influenced by Johnny Cash, upright bass solo by Roy Huskey, Jr.
8. slow- stripped down version highlights Gillian’s expressive vocals
9. med- evokes lost era of life on the river; ragtime guitar solo
10. med- tradditional gospel song, sung BG style as a vocal warm up
11. med- album ends with quintessential Gillian Welch vocals