Ian & Sylvia

Ian & Sylvia's debut album is their most standard affair, and indeed a fairly typical contemporary folk recording, with such traditional warhorses as "Rocks and Gravel" (also recorded, but not released, by Dylan during the same time), "C.C. Rider," and "Handsome Molly." What made the pair immediately distinctive was their superb vocal dueting, which was definitely a case of the sum being greater than its parts. Blended together, they canceled each other's weaknesses and gave the material great freshness and vigor. Ian's guitar and Sylvia's autoharp are backed by stellar playing from guitarist John Herald and string bassists Bill Lee (director Spike Lee's father) and Art Davis. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide