Recorded in Paris when she was 19, this is the only full album Blake made. An American doing public domain blues and folk numbers, Blake brings a bright dignity to the dark Seventies folk crew. Her signing aims for even and steady declaration rather than haunted whispers or stagy intoning. The word “sweet” would not apply here, but neither would “dark.” Blake does something rare for this whole era of reconsideration and performing—she lets the songs do the work. Her guitar playing is strong and unfussy, and there is occasionally some flute and harmony vocals. “Black Is The Color” is especially valuable here, as it often becomes a scenery-chewer for singers. Here, you get the song first and the singer second. I also love albums that feature the phrases “little bitty baby” and “death to every foe and traitor.”