Come all ye...

Best known as one of Bob Dylan's early mentors in the Greenwich Village folk music scene of the early 1960s, Dave Van Ronk should more properly be known as one of the finest interpreters of songs from the folk tradition.

I recently bought Inside Dave Van Ronk on vinyl. Had some friends over for dinner and put it on when we were all half-cut and in food-coma repose. When "Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies" came on, everyone was struck thoughtfully mute as we let the music wash over us. Simultaneously fragile and masterful, this is a truly haunting rendition. Dig it, chilluns.

•Dave Van Ronk: Fair and Tender Ladies (via RapidShare)

•Inside Dave Van Ronk available through eMusic's 25 free MP3s offer