Record Reviews

SANDY DENNY ~ THE NORTH STAR GRASSMAN AND THE RAVENS (DELUXE EDITION) ISLAND 600753340585 (Barcode: 600753340585) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1971 Released: 2011 This is the debut solo album by the British singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, the undeniable Queen of the British Folk-Rock movement, which flourished from the late 1960s to the mid 1970s. Danny fronted the best Folk-Rock groups of the day, such as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and FotheringayFind albums by this artist and later concentrated on her splendid solo career, recording four excellent solo albums for IslandFind albums on this label Records. Her life and career was abruptly cut short by her tragic and untimely death at the age of 31. This album is considered to be one of the greatest Folk-Rock recordings of all times. The vast majority of the material comprises of original songs written by Denny, beautifully performed by her and a superb band, which includes many British Folk-Rock heroes, like guitarists Richard ThompsonFind albums by this artist and Trevor LucasFind albums by this artist, bassists Pat DonaldsonFind albums by this artist and Tony ReevesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Ian WhitemanFind albums by this artist, drummer Gerry ConwayFind albums by this artist and others. Denny´s angelic voice and her unique vocal style are simply stellar. A couple of tracks feature string arrangements. This new 2CD edition adds a plethora of bonus material, which includes demos, BBC recordings and previously unreleased live material, which is all worth its weight in gold. It’s a proper tribute to Denny´s remarkable talents and wonderful output she left us to enjoy forever. It is an absolute must to every Folk-Rock fan anywhere on this planet!

Updated: 26/08/2020Posted:

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

FOTHERINGAY ~ NOTHING MORE: THE COLLECTED FOTHERINGAY ISLAND 602547184825 (Barcode: 602547184825) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2015 This marvelous Box Set collects all the know recordings by the shot-lived Folk-Rock group FotheringayFind albums by this artist, formed by the divine singer / songwriter Sandy DennyFind albums by this artist, after she left Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist in late 1969 shortly after the group completed the recording of their epic fourth album "Liege & LiefFind albums with this title". Denny joined forces with her partner at the time, vocalist / acoustic guitarist Trevor LucasFind albums by this artist and they drafted into the group American-born lead guitarist Jerry DonahueFind albums by this artist, bassist Pat DonaldsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Gerry ConwayFind albums by this artist, who all sung occasional backing vocals. Denny´s decision to leave Fairport Convention was primarily prompted by her will to sing her original material and move the traditional material a bit into the background and Fotheringay gave her the opportunity to do exactly that. In addition the group had a more Rock oriented sound, with incredible lead guitar work by Donahue. By mid-1970 the group released their first eponymous album, which met with positive reaction by the critics, but sadly achieved only limited commercial success, probably because it was unjustly compared to Fairport Convention, rather than recognized as a completely new direction. By late 1970 the group has begun recording their follow up album, but things started to disintegrate rapidly and by early 1971 Fotheringay disbanded, with the second album uncompleted. Shortly afterwards Denny launched her career as a solo artists, briefly rejoining Fairport Convention in 1974-1975 and then continued her solo career until her tragic death in 1978. The "Fotheringay 2Find albums with this title" album was reconstructed from the abandoned studio master tapes and partly re-recorded and was finally released in 2008. In retrospect this collection is a tribute to the incredible talents of Sandy Denny, who remains to this very day the absolute Empress of British Folk-Rock. Her legacy, all recorded in a span of a single decade, constitute some of the most beautiful singing and songwriting in the history of popular music. This collection includes both Fotheringay albums, a plethora of bonus tracks, demos, alternate tracks, radio broadcasts and live concerts, all spread over three CDs. BBC TV performances are included on a DVD, which is also included. The accompanying booklet is informative and comprehensive and includes many wonderful photographs of Denny and the band members. This is a remarkable piece of British music history, which to this day sounds almost too good to be true and constitutes an essential part of any decent music collection. Simply a must!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 08/01/2016

3CD+DVD 4 Digibook Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend