Linda Ronstadt: Bitter End, New York NY

This article originally appeared on Billboard on August 9th 1969

NEW YORK — Linda Ronstadt brought her Southern California brand of country soul to the city on Wednesday (30) as she opened a two-week engagement at the Bitter End. Providing a refreshing contrast to the New York blues epitomized on the street outside, she sang a set of music she enjoys, entrancing the audience with her singing and her style.

The former leader of the Stone Poneys is best known for her smash of three years ago, 'A Different Drum'. But although she did perform a few of her earlier hits, most of her act consisted of her new down-home style which is a happy improvement over her more ornate recorded work.

The Capitol artist was backed by the Corvettes, a substantial country-rock group in their own right, but the lady's voice and presence often overshadowed the fine music of the band. Her singing was like a freshwater stream that had flowed all the way from Los Angeles to cool the humid New York soul. Miss Ronstadt is at her best when singing of Love.

In her renditions of Dylan's 'I'll Be Your Baby Tonight' and Sebastian's 'Darlin' Companion', she involved the crowd with her raunchy California sensuality that is genuine as well as charming. Her voice has the polish of Judy Collins and the range of June Carter with a quality all its own. Her lack of facade and feeling for life will find an appreciative response in New York.

Columbia's Tony Kosinec, who shared the bill, seemed at home in the small club. His music is improving and his singing needs no improvement but he still suffers from material that is tedious as well as verbose. He remains a potentially good artist.