Janis Joplin: The Woodstock Experience

Columbia/Legacy commemorates the 40th anniversary of Janis Joplin’s appearance at the Woodstock Music & Arts Fair and her first solo album, I Got Dem Ol’ Kozmic Blues Again Mama!, after departing from Big Brother and the Holding Company with a two-fer entitled Janis Joplin: The Woodstock Experience. The title connotes peace, love, and flowers and all those groovy things the fest was supposed to stand for as a cultural beacon. The reality of Janis at Woodstock was a much different experience. Joplin may not fit the Woodstock myth, as she and her music were always much more grounded in troubles than good times. But the reality of Joplin at the Woodstock Festival is more compelling than any fairy tale. And the album she released just a few months afterwards shows that she was still making excellent music. This set will make an insightful educational gift for anyone dabbling in the blues or music from the ’60s.