Canadian acoustic folk duo He Mistook Her For A Swan offers a poignant interpretation of Townes Van Zandt’s Black Crow Blues. Originally featured on Van Zandt’s posthumous album In the Beginning, this reimagining adds a fresh yet soulful perspective to a somewhat rare gem from the Texas songwriter.
The track begins with delicate acoustic guitar picking, setting a serene foundation. Melodic flute lines weave through the arrangement, complementing Colleen Hodgson’s evocative vocals, which bring a rich, folk-inspired resonance to the piece. The unexpected bagpipe outro lends a haunting Celtic edge, giving the song a powerful and memorable close.
He Mistook Her For A Swan—composed of Colleen Hodgson and Steve Koch—draws from a diverse array of influences, including British and American traditional folk, as well as 1960s pioneers like Bert Jansch and Anne Briggs. Their repertoire spans from Gram Parsons to Ozzy Osbourne, showcasing their eclectic approach to music.