Garden of Joy

iTunes Review

Few singers dig into an old-timely tune with as much gusto as Maria Muldaur. Garden of Joy continues in the pre-World War II jazz/blues mode that Muldaur has favored in recent years, this time returning to her jug band roots by rendering a batch of steamy, hip-swaying tunes with the aid of some old friends. John Sebastian, David Grisman and Taj Mahal help summon up the rollicking ambiance of Maria’s 1960s stints with the Even Dozen Jug Band and Jim Kweskin’s legendary combo. Chugging banjos, agile fiddles and tinkling mandolins achieve an antique funkiness on “Shake Hands and Tell Me Goodbye,” “I Ain’t Gonna Marry” and the title tune. Dan Hicks contributes his sly tune “The Diplomat” and turns in a droll duet performance with Maria on a medley of “Life’s Too Short” and “When Elephants Roost in Bamboo Trees.” Biting commentary on today’s economy is offered in “Bank Failure Blues” and “The Panic is On.” Muldaur’s vocals have grown huskier with time, but her queenly mastery of vintage material hasn’t changed one whit.