Tom Jans And Mimi Farina - Take Heart / Tom Jans (Reissue) (1971-74/2013)

With nary a single reissue of his album catalog in this country, these days Tom Jans is perhaps most famous for having had a song ("Whistle Down the Wind") dedicated to him on Tom Waits' album Bone Machine, but the body of work by this '70s folk singer-songwriter remains one well worth revisiting; this twofer presents Tom Jans' first two albums, both recorded for A&M Records. The first, 1971's Take Heart, marked the return of Joan Baez's younger sister Mimi Farina to recording after the death of Richard Farina and the collapse of her second marriage; Jans met her in 1970 and the duo toured extensively (most notably appearing at the Big Sur Folk Festival) before recording this cult classic. The second, 1974's self-titled Tom Jans, appears on CD here for the first time ever, and features Jans's own version of his classic "Loving Arms" (which was recorded by Elvis among many others) as well as a crack band featuring guitarist Lonnie Mack and keyboardist David Briggs. This Real Gone reissue features the original album art from both albums along with added photos and liner notes by Richie Unterberger and remastering by Vic Anesini at Battery Studios. Singer-songwriter fans, take heed!