The other day I heard what is perhaps the best version of 'St James Infirmary Blues' I've ever heard. I didn't know that Arlo Guthrie had recorded the song. I can't seem to find what album it's on. The version I heard wasn't a concert recording I'm sure. Does anyone know anything about this track? or maybe on what album it can be found? Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dan

There is a version of the song on an album called Jusy Collins Wildflower festival. It's available on itunes if you have access just search the song title or go to Alro's page. I don't think it's the one your looking for though because it's live. I remember seeing another version of this song by Arlo but in the small amount of time since I read your post I can't seem to find it. Good Luck and I also love Arlo's version of this song.

When everybody in the audience wants to hear, concert recordings can be really neat. Get a copy of Live in Sydney and see if the St. James Infirmary sounds familiar.

kurt...

the version of SJI I'd love to hear again would be the one adg did with the Klezmatics. Their horns really added a new orleans feel to the tune. what fun that was at Carnegie that year!

Thanks everyone for the help in locating this tune. I still haven't found it. I listened to the Sydney version. It's also very good but not the one I had heard. In trying to locate this particular song, I found that a bunch of different variations exist. Other variations I've found of 'SJIB' are 'The Unfortunate Rake', 'Streets of Laredo' and 'Gamblers Blues' which, the more I think about it, might actually be the title of the Arlo version I heard. The melody and theme are the same as are most of the words. If this is common knowledge, I apologize for wasting your time. It was news (and interesting news) to me. I'll keep searching for the tune. Thanks again.
Dan

I checked the indexes of the albums listed in Discography and a couple of additional albums like HARP but no luck.

Maybe it would help the search to have an idea where you heard the tune... the radio, an open window, ???

kurt...

I was thinking of HARP also but was also wrong. As to the alternate title: There's a bit of a dispute as to the true songwriter and the song therefore has different titles but nonetheless the same song. One of my personal favorite versions (besides Arlo's) is by Ramblin' Jack. It's a bit more simple and there's some variation in the lyrics.