If you really want to get to the essence of Janis Joplin, this recent issue will answer a lot of your questions. Recorded informally back in June 24, 1964 at the home of guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, if finds a 21 year old Janis Joplin deeply involved in the blues a la Bessie Smith, with an earnestness and passion that only the young are able to emote. So informal are these casual recording, that the tapes are named “The Typewriter Tapes” because for many of the songs, you can here Margaret Kaukonen hammering out letters on her old Olympia Splendid 33. The typing doesn’t as much distract, but adds to the personal intimacy of these recordings, as Joplin is at her earthiest on “Kansas City Blues” and “Hesitation Blues” while Jorma taps into his inner Lonnie Johnson on “Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out”. There are a couple of fly on the wall conversations as well, so you really feel that you’re in these cozy confines, watching the future of American rock and blues take hold. As all great works of art, this album ends up asking more questions than answering. A real peek into the heart of an artist.