Bob Gibson Live at Cornell 1957

In the late 50s, folk performers were playing to gradually increasing crowds in clubs, coffee houses and on the college folk music club circuit. Among these was Bob Gibson whose "Carnegie Concert" album would be recorded on February 11, 1957 following a tour during which he played a number of college dates including Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio on February 9th and Cornell University in Ithaca, New York on February 10th. Released later in 1957, it was a bittersweet release for his growing number of fans; sweet since it was a recording of Bob in concert, but bitter in that it was only about 35 minutes long and contained only 14 songs from a concert that was probably twice as long with many more songs. But such were the limitations of the 12-inch LP record that could hold only 15-18 minutes per side. Eliminated by the constraints of time were songs not previously recorded by Bob as well as songs included on his earlier studio albums.

Fortunately, Bob's show at Cornell University was recorded. Save for two songs, everything on the LP was performed at that show - 35 songs in 77 minutes - which are on this two CD set, PLUS a bonus CD of an informal after-show get together. The songs on the set include: DANCE, BOATMAN, DANCE; MICHAEL ROW THE BOAT ASHORE; SPRINGFIELD MOUNTAIN; DAY-O; GO DOWN TO BIMINI; I COME FOR TO SING; SHADY GROVE; THE LILY OF THE WEST; DELIA; ROCK-A MY SOUL; MIGHTY DAY; OH SINNER MAN; and WAYFARING STRANGER.