Legends of Folk: The Village Scene

Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary hosts this PBS documentary about the New York folk scene of the 1960s. Stookey and other musicians remember the Greenwich Village clubs and coffeehouses where they got their start, such as the Bitter End, the Gaslight, and the Night Owl, which provided a launch pad for the Lovin' Spoonful. Many would also gather to play in Washington Square, including Neil Diamond and Maria Muldaur (who went on to sing with the Jim Kweskin Jug Band and as part of a duo with her then-husband, Geoff Muldaur). Some were native New Yorkers, while others came from elsewhere, such as Bob Dylan, a Midwestern transplant looking to follow in the footsteps of Woody Guthrie. Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas recalls that Dylan inspired fellow musicians to write their own material, although some would have their biggest hits with his songs, like Peter, Paul and Mary's version of "Blowin' in the Wind." Stookey also looks at major events that galvanized these artists, ranging from the Civil Rights movement to the Vietnam War. The program features 17 performances, including Dylan's Newport Folk Festival rendition of "Blowin' in the Wind" with Joan Baez and Peter, Paul and Mary. Stookey also touches on Richie Havens, Tim Hardin, and Judy Collins, as well as a few acts who moved away from folk in later years, such as Simon & Garfunkel and John Denver. DVD extras include bonus performances. While not a deep examination of the subject, Legends of Folk does provide an effective overview. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)