Record Reviews
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  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ ENGLAND / BLONDEL
BGO 0914 (Barcode: 5017261209146) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1973 Released: 2010
4th and 5th albums by British band Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, which were quite an unusual "bird" among the flourishing UK Folk-Rock flock in the late 1960s / early 1970s. Although many British bands often relied on traditional folk material and even went back several centuries in search for inspiration (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, GryphonFind albums by this artist and even Jethro TullFind albums by this artist), none of them dedicated their entire musical scope to English Early Music, Elizabethan song and minstrelsy, which is exactly what Amazing Blondel did. Formed by Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and John GladwinFind albums by this artist, the band was soon after expanded to a trio with the addition of Eddie BairdFind albums by this artist. The duo managed to record the debut album "The Amazing Blondel And A Few FacesFind albums with this title" for the obscure BellFind albums on this label label and after expanding to a trio they joined the roster of IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording a series of albums for that label, of which the two albums included here were the last. The very fact that a major record label would sign such an unusual fact is a reflection of the times and the character of the legendary Island owner Chris BlackwellFind albums by this artist, who collected on his label a staggering crew of music makers, promoting music on the basis of its merit rather than on its commercial potential – happy and sadly long time gone reality. These two albums are some of the most memorable and unusual musical documents of that era of Artistic freedom. "EnglandFind albums with this title" features music, almost entirely written by Gladwin, who also sings the lead vocals, is completely acoustic and played on instruments, which were used centuries ago and based entirely on the English Early Music format. The lyrics are also kept in the general spirit of the era, spiced with humorous tongue in cheek tidbits. "BlondelFind albums with this title", recorded following Gladwin´s departure from the group, is slightly more Rocky and features Steve WinwoodFind albums by this artist on bass guitar and Simon KirkeFind albums by this artist (FreeFind albums by this artist) on drums as well as many other guest artists including Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist, who sings on one track. In retrospect these two albums remain an ageless masterpiece, unrivaled to this very day and I can hardly imagine any Folk-Rock enthusiast´s record collection, which does not include them. For people who never came across this band before, this reissue is a splendid opportunity to fill a gap, which is unforgettable. Grab it!
| | Updated: 28/02/2024Posted: | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | AMAZING BLONDEL ~ EVENSONG / FANTASIA LINDUM
BGO 626 (Barcode: 5017261206268) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2004
2nd and 3rd albums by British band Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist, which were quite an unusual "bird" among the flourishing UK Folk-Rock flock in the late 1960s / early 1970s. Although many British bands often relied on traditional folk material and even went back several centuries in search for inspiration (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, GryphonFind albums by this artist and even Jethro TullFind albums by this artist), none of them dedicated their entire musical scope to English Early Music, Elizabethan song and minstrelsy, which is exactly what Amazing Blondel did. Formed by Terry WincottFind albums by this artist and John GladwinFind albums by this artist, the band was soon after expanded to a trio with the addition of Eddie BairdFind albums by this artist. The duo managed to record the debut album "The Amazing Blondel And A Few FacesFind albums with this title" for the obscure BellFind albums on this label label and after expanding to a trio they joined the roster of IslandFind albums on this label Records, recording a series of albums for that label, of which the two albums included here were the first. The very fact that a major record label would sign such an unusual fact is a reflection of the times and the character of the legendary Island owner Chris BlackwellFind albums by this artist, who collected on his label a staggering crew of music makers, promoting music on the basis of its merit rather than on its commercial potential – happy and sadly long time gone reality. These two albums are some of the most memorable and unusual musical documents of that era of Artistic freedom. The music, almost entirely written by Gladwin, who also sings the lead vocals, is completely acoustic and played on instruments, which were used centuries ago and based entirely on the English Early Music format. The lyrics are also kept in the general spirit of the era, spiced with humorous tongue in cheek tidbits. "Fantasia LindumFind albums with this title" includes a suite of the same name (which originally took up the entire side of the LP), which is often considered as one of British Prog-Folk most revered pieces. In retrospect these two albums remain an ageless masterpiece, unrivaled to this very day and I can hardly imagine any Folk-Rock enthusiast´s record collection, which does not include them. For people who never came across this band before, this reissue is a splendid opportunity to fill a gap, which is unforgettable. Grab it!
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Recommend To A Friend |
  | BREAD, LOVE AND DREAMS ~ THE STRANGE TALE OF CAPTAIN SHANNON AND THE HUNCHBACK FROM GIGHA
SUNBEAM 5047 (Barcode: 5051125504718) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
2nd album by Scottish duo Bread, Love And DreamsFind albums by this artist, which included singer David McNivenFind albums by this artist, who also wrote most of the material, and female singer Angie RewFind albums by this artist. The group started originally as a trio with another female singer Carolyn DavisFind albums by this artist and they recorded their debut album a year earlier. After Carolyn left to pursue a solo career, the duo engaged in an extensive recording project, which produced enough material for a double album. Unfortunately the record label (DeccaFind albums on this label) refused to issue a double album (originally intended to be called “Mother Earth”) and as a result the first of the two was released under this title, taken from the title of the epic song included on the album, and the second a few month later as AmaryllisFind albums with this title. The duo was lucky to have some great musicians taking part in the recording sessions, namely PentangleFind albums by this artist’s rhythm section of Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry CoxFind albums by this artist on drums, as well as saxophonist Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist from ColosseumFind albums by this artist. Some of the songs were also beautifully arranged and orchestrated. The resulting music is a prime example of British Folk-Rock with some Psychedelic influences as well. Although the original albums sold poorly at the time they were released, in time they achieved a legendary status among British Folk-Rock enthusiast and became rare collectors’ items. Having them back in circulation is a long-awaited dream come true and no Acid Folk fan can call his collection complete without these two albums.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | DANDO SHAFT ~ DANDO SHAFT / LANTALOON
BGO 550 (Barcode: 5017261205506) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1971 - 1972 Released: 2002
2nd and 3rd albums by the brilliant British Folk-Rock band Dando ShaftFind albums by this artist. Soon after they recorded their debut album "An Evening With Dando ShaftFind albums with this title", the group expanded to a sextet with the inclusion of female vocalist Polly BoltonFind albums by this artist, which brought them closer sound-wise to other Folk-Rock ensembles like PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist. Stylistically they were closest to Pentangle, as their music was much influenced by Jazz and included a lot of instrumental improvisation, but they differed from most other British bands of the genre by performing all original material, rather than relaying on traditional folklore. The core of the group consisted of guitarists Kevin DempseyFind albums by this artist and Dave CooperFind albums by this artist, multi-instrumentalist Martin JenkinsFind albums by this artist (who excelled on the mandoline), bassist Roger BullenFind albums by this artist and percussionist Ted KayFind albums by this artist – an all acoustic ensemble with beautiful sound and superb instrumental qualities. The first of the two albums included here is especially magical, and often considered as one of the genre´s finest recordings. The second album is slightly more adventurous and Prog oriented, and therefore less favored by the folkies, but in retrospect it stands the tides of time beautifully. Collectors should note that the first album included here was originally released on the short-lived Prog offshoot of RCAFind albums on this label, called NeonFind albums on this label Records. Unfortunately the band fell apart after recording the second album included here, only to ne reunited for one more album five years later. Another live recording was done in the late 1980s. But the first three Dando Shaft albums are definitely a prime example of the British Folk-Rock, which remain almost unsurpassed to this very day. A must!
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  | GRYPHON ~ GRYPHON
TALKING ELEPHANT 117 (Barcode: 5028479011728) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2007
1st album by the wonderful British Prog group GryphonFind albums by this artist, one of the most unique and sophisticated bands to appear on the scene in the 1970s. Formed by students at the Royal Academy of Music in London, the band members were all well educated in classical music, which was evident both in the level of their compositions, as well as in their superb performing skills. Founded by Richard HarveyFind albums by this artist (keyboards, woodwinds and guitars) and Brian GullandFind albums by this artist (woodwinds – especially bassoon – keyboards and vocals), who both shared a deep love for early music, Renaissance and medieval church music, as well as British folk, which determined the group´s musical direction. Combining these elements with some contemporary Rock elements, they managed to achieve a completely unique sound and musical vision, which was somewhere between Folk-Rock groups like PentangleFind albums by this artist and Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and Early British music ensembles like Amazing BlondelFind albums by this artist. The pair was joined by guitarist Graeme TaylorFind albums by this artist and the trio started performing mostly in the Folk-Rock circles. Later expanded to a quartet, when joined by drummer David OberleFind albums by this artist, the group finally crystallized their stylistic approach. Signed by the legendary TransatlanticFind albums on this label label, they recorded 4 classic albums for the label, all of which are superb examples of British Folk-Rock / Prog and essential pieces of the wonderful puzzle created at the time. This is one of those albums, which should be an integral part of any serious Prog collection and an absolute classic of the genre.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ BASKET OF LIGHT (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 207 (Barcode: 5050159120727) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2001
3rd album by PentangleFind albums by this artist. Same line-up and the same brilliance all over again. By the time this album was released, Pentangle were already a living legend and had a wide following both in the Folk-Rock and Prog circles. The material is exceptionally beautiful and the playing and singing perfect in every respect.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ CRUEL SISTER (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 206 (Barcode: 5050159120628) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2001
4th album by PentangleFind albums by this artist. Although still the same line-up, this albums marks many changes for the group. The material includes only traditional songs (no self penned material), John RenbournFind albums by this artist uses electric guitar for the first time and the tracks are much longer, including the over 19 minutes long epos `Jack Orion`, all these bringing the group even further into the Prog genre. A masterpiece that stands the test of time beautifully.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ ONE MORE ROAD / LIVE 1994
HUX 089 (Barcode: 682970000893) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1993 - 1994 Released: 2007
PentangleFind albums by this artist, the finest of the many UK Folk-Rock bands, went through two distinct life cycles. The original band, which was active between 1968 and 1972, left us a wonderful legacy of 6 splendid album released originally on the legendary UK folk oriented TransatlanticFind albums on this label label and reissued (and expanded) on CD by CastleFind albums on this label. That period was also documented by the release of the original band’s BBC recordings on the HuxFind albums on this label label in 2004 (The Lost Broadcasts 1968-1972Find albums with this title). In 1984 two of Pentangle’s founding members singer Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist and guitarist John RenbournFind albums by this artist reformed the band again. This second incarnation of the band started off with the five original members but later on went through many personnel changes until the final version of the band crystallized around 1989 and kept together till 1994. This last version of the band included Jacqui, Bert JanschFind albums by this artist and three other Folk-Rock veterans: Nigel Portman-SmithFind albums by this artist (bass, piano and vocals – ex Magna CartaFind albums by this artist), Gerry ConwayFind albums by this artist (drums – ex FotheringayFind albums by this artist and Jethro TullFind albums by this artist) and Pete KirtleyFind albums by this artist (guitar - ex Alan Price SetFind albums by this artist, GriffinFind albums by this artist, Riff RaffFind albums by this artist and many other bands). The second Pentangle recorded also 6 albums, three of which were recorded by the last lineup above. Alas these albums are almost completely neglected and have been out of print for many years. This beautiful album brings us splendidly remastered versions of the last two Pentangle albums: One More RoadFind albums with this title – the last studio album and Live 1994Find albums with this title – their swan song. There is hardly any need to recommend these masterpieces to a serious Folk-Rock fan. Let’s just be grateful this material is available again and enjoy every minute of it to the fullest. Brilliant!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ REFLECTION (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 983 (Barcode: 5050159198320) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2004
5th album by PentangleFind albums by this artist. This is the most unusual album by the group, as they chose to perform music from the American folk tradition rather then the usual folk music originating in the British isles. The performances are brilliat, as usual, and the long title track is a perfect example of the Folk-Rock and Prog genres at their best. Unavailable for a long time, it`s a delight to have this back in circulation!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ THE ALBUMS
CHERRY RED BOX 41 (Barcode: 5013929104105) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1972 Released: 2017
This exquisite Box Set presents the reissues of all the six albums recorded by the first incarnation of the legendary British Folk-Rock group PentangleFind albums by this artist, which existed between 1967 and 1973 and recorded the following albums between 1968 and 1972: "The PentangleFind albums with this title" (released 1968), "Sweet ChildFind albums with this title" (released 1968 as a double LP), "Basket Of LightFind albums with this title" (released 1969), "Cruel SisterFind albums with this title" (released 1970), "ReflectionFind albums with this title" (released 1971) and finally "Solomon`s SealFind albums with this title" (released 1972). The first five of these albums were originally released on TransatlanticFind albums on this label Records and the sixth on RepriseFind albums on this label Records. All six albums were reissued on CD by CastleFind albums on this label Records between 2001 and 2003 in expanded versions, adding bonus tracks. This Box Set edition adds a plethora of additional bonus tracks, some of which appeared on the 4CD Box Set compilation "The Time Has Come: 1967-1973Find albums with this title" (released by Castle in 2007), but most are previously unreleased, which of course makes this Box Set even more desirable that it already is.
The original Pentangle lineup featured on these albums included the charismatic vocalist blessed with an angelic voice: Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist, two exquisite and virtuosic guitarists: John RenbournFind albums by this artist and Bert JanschFind albums by this artist and superbly Jazzy rhythm section: bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry CoxFind albums by this artist, which together were unparalleled to any other outfit at the time and presented a brilliant amalgam of British Folk, Rock and Jazz, spiced with virtuosic vocal harmonies and instrumental parts. The music is a mixture of superb original material and fabulous arrangements of traditional tunes, all spotlessly and wonderfully performed by the group´s members.
Pentangle basically established the rules of Folk-Rock, Prog-Folk, Jazz-Folk and similar sub-genres, for generations to come and all British Folkies from that time on tried to follow their steps, as the genre flourished between late 1960s and late 1970s. The competition was fierce with such excellent acts as StrawbsFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist and others, but Pentangle maintained the leading position until the band fell apart in 1973, only to return by the early 1980s, but that is another story altogether.
This Box Set includes hours of exquisite music, which although closely related to British Folk encompasses various other genres and is diverse, elegant, interesting and entertaining. I can hardly imagine any serious music collection not including this music and if someone does not already own these albums on vinyl or earlier CD reissues, this Box Set is the ultimate solution. An absolute must have by any standard!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 19/05/2018 | CD 7 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ THE LOST BROADCASTS 1968-1972
HUX 049 (Barcode: 682970000497) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1972 Released: 2004
Incredible collection of BBC Radio recordings of the UK Folk-Rock group PentangleFind albums by this artist. It captures the group during their first 5 years, when they recorded their 6 brilliant albums, but the material is hardly a repetition of those albums - in fact most of it does not appear anywhere before. This is a historical milestone in every sense and every Pentangle fan will go for this one with wide-open mouth. The quality of the sound is superb, as usual with the BBC recorded material.
| | | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PENTANGLE ~ THE TIME HAS COME: 1967-1973
CASTLE 0664 (Barcode: 5050159166497) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1967 - 1973 Released: 2007
British Folk-Rock band PentangleFind albums by this artist was the finest representative of the Folk-Rock genre and their unique blend of Folk, Rock and Jazz enriched the music world immensely. With the combined talents of singer Jacqui McSheeFind albums by this artist, guitarists John RenbournFind albums by this artist and Bert JanschFind albums by this artist, bassist Danny ThompsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry CoxFind albums by this artist they were unbeatable and reached beyond anything the audiences were familiar with. The amazing vocal harmonies and the dazzling guitar duos, backed by the best rhythm section on the British Isles were a blast. The band went through two distinct “life cycles”, the first of which is documented on this lavish and beautiful Box Set. The music includes some studio tracks released on the band’s albums, but over 70 % of the tracks are previously unreleased and include singles, outtakes, soundtracks and a plethora of live recordings. The first 2 CDs cover studio material and the other two include live material (concert, radio and TV) and soundtracks. I can’t even imagine any Folk-Rock / Pentangle fan not having this beauty in their collection.
| | Updated: 26/08/2020Posted: | CD 4 Box Set Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEELEYE SPAN ~ HARK! THE VILLAGE WAIT
CASTLE 1251 (Barcode: 5050749412515) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
1st album by the finest UK Folk-Rock band in all times - Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist. Although Steeleye Span had fierce competition to the title of the leading force in UK Folk-Rock in their early days from bands like Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist and PentangleFind albums by this artist, in retrospect they proved to be the winners in the long rum and emerged as the only band still active 35 years later. Their spectacular recorded legacy over the years not only managed to sustain a level of excellence rarely met by any other musical outfit, but also contains a cannon and core of the genre’s essence. The band was formed in the late 1969, when bass player Ashley HutchingsFind albums by this artist left Fairport Convention (after recording the seminal Liege & LiefFind albums with this title album) to start his own band and pursue a more traditional route than his former band was taking. Hutchings joined forces with Tim HartFind albums by this artist, Gay WoodsFind albums by this artist, Terry WoodsFind albums by this artist and the singer Maddy PriorFind albums by this artist to form the first version of Steeleye Span, which lasted only a few months, but managed to record this exceptionally beautiful album. Hart and Prior (who were a couple) were to remain in all the future versions of the band, with the cream of the crop of UK Folk-Rock players joining them on a less permanent basis. As on all the early Steeleye Span albums, the material consists of traditional Folk tunes, arranged and often altered by the band members. Prior’s superb vocals, vocal harmonies with other band members and exceptional instrumental work are all present here and will be the band’s trademark for years to come. The incredible sensitivity and respect for the origins of the music and incredible musicianship guarantees an unsurpassed mark of quality. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | TREES ~ ON THE SHORE (EXPANDED EDITION)
SONY BMG 705765 (Barcode: 886970576529) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2007
2nd and final album by UK Folk-Rock group TreesFind albums by this artist. Although Trees existed for just a brief period of time – formed in 1969 and disbanded in early 1972 – they managed to release two seminal albums, which are considered classics of the genre. Trees had some similarities with other contemporary Folk-Rock ensembles (PentangleFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist, etc.): they were fronted by an exceptional female vocalist (Celia HumphrisFind albums by this artist) and they played arrangements of traditional British folk tunes in addition to their self-penned material. But there were also important differences, which made them unique: they were strongly influenced by the Psychedelic movement and they used a strong lead electric guitar (Barry ClarkeFind albums by this artist) rather than acoustic instruments. In retrospect both of their albums kept formidably the original magic over the years and are worthy of a special place in any serious Folk-Rock album collection. The bonus disc added to this beautiful edition is also quite unique and interesting: Following a sampling of one of the album’s songs by a contemporary pop group in 2006, the album returned to public attention with a bang. The original group members decided to remix most of the original album, adding (mostly) keyboards (Bias BoshellFind albums by this artist) and some guitar to bring the album up to contemporary sound. The result is quite brilliant and surprising. Although touching original material can be considered sacrilegious, in this case it works wonderfully. An early demo track and a BBC recording are also added. Definitely a treasure!
| | | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | TREES ~ THE GARDEN OF JANE DELAWNEY (EXPANDED EDITION)
SONY BMG 735671 (Barcode: 886973567128) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 2008
1st album by the little known UK Folk-Rock band TreesFind albums by this artist, which recorded just two albums before it disbanded. Trees followed the formula set by other contemporary Folk-Rock bands, like Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist, Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist and PentangleFind albums by this artist), with female vocalist (Celia HumphrisFind albums by this artist) fronting the band, a repertoire consisting both of traditional British folk and self-penned material, mostly by the band´s bassist Bias BoshellFind albums by this artist. The main difference was the use of lead electric guitar (Barry ClarkeFind albums by this artist), which was featured much more prominently than other representatives of the genre usually allowed for, as well as the Psychedelic influence of the period, which other Folk-Rock bands largely ignored. Altogether a beautiful album and a classic of the genre, now finally remastered and expanded with four bonus tracks, two of which are recent recordings of songs that the band intended to include on this album, but never did. This is a long awaited reissue, which all Folk-Rock enthusiasts will find indispensible for their collection and enjoy immensely.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
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