Record Reviews
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  | 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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  | 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 |
  | SPIROGYRA ~ A CANTERBURY TALE
CASTLE 1258 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1971 - 1973 Released: 5050
Although originating from Canterbury, SpirogyraFind albums by this artist is not considered as part of the Canterbury Scene gang. They were a folk / rock or rather an acid / folk group, influenced as much by the British folk music as by the Psychedelic movement of the late 1960’s. Fronted by Martin CockerhamFind albums by this artist, who also wrote all of their material, and including the wonderful singer Barbara GaskinFind albums by this artist, they recorded only three albums: St. RadigundsFind albums with this title (1971), Old Boot WineFind albums with this title (1972) and Bells, Boots And ShamblesFind albums with this title (1973), all included here with additional, previously unreleased material. In retrospect it is quite clear that Spirogyra were one of the most accomplished representatives of the genre, sadly little known in comparison to other similar outfits like Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist, Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist or The Incredible String BandFind albums by this artist (to which they were the closest in style). The quality of the material, as well as the truly excellent instrumental work (by additional band members changing from album to album) is amply documented here for us to enjoy. The albums stand the test of time with ease, being as moving and exciting today as they were when originally recorded. For fans of the genre this is an absolute must!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEELEYE SPAN ~ ALL THINGS ARE QUITE SILENT: COMPLETE RECORDINGS 1970-71
CHERRY TREE 022 (Barcode: 5013929692206) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2019
This Box Set collects the reissues of the first three magnificent albums by the seminal British Folk-Rock group Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist: "Hark! The Village WaitFind albums with this title" (1970), "Please To See The KingFind albums with this title" (1971) and "Ten Man Mop Or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides AgainFind albums with this title" (1971). The group was formed by the Godfather of the British Folk-Rock movement bassist / songwriter Ashley HutchingsFind albums by this artist following his departure from Fairport ConventionFind albums by this artist. The first lineup of the group, which recorded the first album in this collection, included also vocalist Maddy PriorFind albums by this artist, vocalist / multi-instrumentalist Tim HartFind albums by this artist, vocalist Gay WoodsFind albums by this artist and her husband multi-instrumentalist Terry WoodsFind albums by this artist. Following the departure of Gay and Terry, guitarist Martin CarthyFind albums by this artist and violinist Peter KnightFind albums by this artist joined the group and took part in the recording of the remaining two albums in this collection.
Steeleye Span was the absolute epitome of British Folk-Rock, performing mostly traditional British music with very few exceptions. The superb arrangements, which are based on wonderful vocal harmonies and exceptional instrumental work, made the group truly invincible in their idiom, and these sublime recordings are absolutely timeless and sound wonderfully contemporary to this very day.
Under Hutchings leadership the group showed deep respect towards the incredibly rich sources of traditional British music and brought it up to date with flair and elegance. Their approach was mimicked by many of their contemporaries and basically all Folk-Rock groups since can be referenced to these recordings. Prior´s exquisite vocals are an absolute treasure of this idiom and she remains invincible in her reign, with a long list of solo albums in addition to her work with Steeleye Span and other artists.
Only the third album in this collection is expanded by four studio bonus tracks. All three albums were reissued individually in 2005 / 2006 by CastleFind albums on this label Records and the second and third albums were expanded with the inclusion of wonderful BBC sessions, sadly not present here.
Overall this is an absolute essential material for all British Folk-Rock connoisseurs, since within the boundaries of that genre things don´t ever get better than what this Box Set offers.
| | Updated: 14/07/2022Posted: 14/09/2019 | CD 3 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEELEYE SPAN ~ GOOD TIMES OF OLD ENGLAND: STEELEYE SPAN 1972-1983
CHRYSALIS 5060516098798 (Barcode: +506051609879) ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1972 - 1983 Released: 2022
This magnificent Box Set combines the recordings by the seminal British Folk-Rock group Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist, starting with their 4th album from 1972 and spanning all the nine albums released on the ChrysalisFind albums on this label label until 1983, which were: “Below The SaltFind albums with this title” (1972), “Parcel Of RoguesFind albums with this title” (1973), “Now We Are SixFind albums with this title” (1974), “Commoners CrownFind albums with this title” (1975), “All Around My HatFind albums with this title” (1975), “Rocket CottageFind albums with this title” (1976), “Storm Force TenFind albums with this title” (1977), “Live At LastFind albums with this title” (1978) and finally “Sails Of SilverFind albums with this title” (1980). Three additional CDs include the Australian only live album “On TourFind albums with this title” (1983) and two previously unreleased live concerts “Live At The Rainbow Theatre” (1974) and “Live At The Berklee Performance Centre, Boston” (1976), altogether twelve CDs of some the of the best music ever recorded on this planet. The original albums are all remastered and expanded with bonus tracks. An excellent booklet full of detailed information and retrospective look at these albums is also included.
This release continues the much smaller Box Set entitled “All Things Are Quite Silent: Complete Recordings 1970-71Find albums with this title”, which collects the first three albums by the group, released in 2019 on the Cherry TreeFind albums on this label label.
Fronted by the brilliant and charismatic vocalist Maddy PriorFind albums by this artist and featuring over the years the crop of the cream of the British Folk-Rock musicians, such as guitarists / vocalists Tim HartFind albums by this artist and Martin CarthyFind albums by this artist, bassist Rick KempFind albums by this artist, fiddler Peter KnightFind albums by this artist and others, Steeleye Span were undoubtedly the finest representatives of the genre of all time and their glorious recording legacy is an absolute treasure chest. The group performed original material written by the group members and traditional Folk material, always wonderfully arranged and beautifully balancing between the acoustic and electric approach and above all always perfectly sung and played. The music includes songs, instrumentals, a cappella vocalese, and anything imaginable, often groundbreaking and intellectually challenging, superbly demonstration the British music aesthetic.
Overall, this is one of those Box Sets any serious music lover simply can’t ignore, even if he (most probably) already has the original albums in his collection. This fairly priced Box Set is simply elegant, and to be honest useful and space saving, not to mention essential, being worth its weight in gold and precious stones, etc. British Folk-Rock offered the world, or at least those who wanted to listen, some of the most honest, heartfelt music on this planet and Steeleye Span were simply a Godsend. This is beyond essential!
| | Updated: 14/07/2022Posted: 14/07/2022 | CD 12 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks 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!
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  | STEELEYE SPAN ~ TEN MAN MOP
MOONCREST 009 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
3rd album from 1971 by this best ever UK Folk / Prog group. Along with Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span practically defined the genre. The group included some of the finest British players and singers let by the sensational Maddy Prior, whose hounting performances on this album count among the highlights of the genre. This is an absolute must have for every Folk / Prog fan!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEELEYE SPAN ~ TEN MAN MOP OR MR. RESERVOIR BUTLER RIDES AGAIN (EXPANDED EDITION)
CASTLE 1252 ~ UK ~ Folk-Rock
Recorded: 1971
3rd album by Steeleye SpanFind albums by this artist Mk. II with identical lineup as their previous album. Based again on all traditional material, the group does not break any new ground here, but merely perfects and polishes their already almost perfect approach to making music. Everything is just the way it should be: the incredible vocal harmonies, the delicate instrumental work and the sophisticated arrangements, producing one more masterpiece and a classic of the genre. After this album was completed, Ashley HutchingsFind albums by this artist and Martin CarthyFind albums by this artist were to leave the band and Tim HartFind albums by this artist and Maddy PriorFind albums by this artist had to re-configure the lineup again, following with many more excellent recordings. However, the special magic of the first three albums was destined to last as a unique phenomenon. This beautiful new edition more than doubles the playing time of the album by including a BBC live concert recorded in 1971, previously unreleased. Absolutely essential!
| | | CD 2 Remastered Bonus Tracks 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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