Joan Baez in Concert

When you take the time and spend the money ($70) to go to a concert, you have certain expectations. And, in the case of Joan Baez (at Massey Hall, Nov. 8/08) one knew exactly what to expect.

Baez' career spans 50 years. In fact, her current tour is in support of her 50th anniversary CD "Day After Tomorow". Starting out at 16 years of age, Baez found her path early: Madonna folkie of the Left.

The versatile 4-piece acoustic band included instruments such as accordian, bass, ever-changing guitars (after each song) and ukulele. In its professional casualness, there was lots of chuckling between vocal lines and much non-verbal cueing of the band. Baez and her band were thoroughly at ease, although Baez seemed slightly shy throughout (oweing, perhaps, to her notorious stage-fright).

Baez is comfortable, though, telling anecdotes and she told many. She took the stage with a coy "What's new?" which was greeted by mad cheering from the audience. She told stories of hanging out with Martin Luther King and of the spiritual death of her sister Mimi. Now in her late 60's, Baez looks wonderfully youthful - almost the same as she appeared on her debut album 50 years ago, Joan Baez. She sounds different though. The years have limited and lowered her soprano range but she remains a warm, comforting and still beautiful sound.

Day After Tomorow was produced by legendary guitar player Steve Earle and many of the songs performed were off the album and written by Earle. One in particular, God is God, came across intensely moving.

Baez also pulled out her famous Dylan imitation in her rendition of his Love is Just a 4-Letter Word. Baez withstood public humiliation by Dylan in the film Don't Look Back and survived to write the telling Diamonds & Rust. In performance, she improvised the last line of the song: "If you're offering me diamonds & rust/ I'll take the Grammy." Baez is one tough cookie.

Baez closed the night with a strong 3-song encore which included John Lennon's Imagine. The audience acted as choir to Baez' conducting of the grand finale, Amazing Grace. The night was a surprisingly spiritual, feel-good evening. Baez may deliver the expected but she is not boring.