I thought of this on Tuesday, but the week got away from me.
This week’s selection is Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten. With no formal training in guitar, her big musical break came when she happened upon the Seegers and the rest is history. If you’re expecting to hear this butter-smooth vocalist, you’re in for a disappointment. Her voice is raspy, and her music is as authentic as can be. Her unorthodox style of playing was dubbed “Cotten picking” and can be found on Michelle Shocked’s “Anchorage,” which is another five-star song worthy of its own treatment. Two songs in one post – lucky you!
