Fotheringay

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Fotheringay

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This is maybe my personal favorite English folk-rock album... beautiful songs, stunning arrangements, warm, enveloping production. The twin singing talents of husband and wife, Sandy Denny and Trevor Lucas. The utterly masterful, Clarence White-ish guitar of Jerry Donahue. A marvelously fluid rhythm section of Pat Donaldson on bass and Gerry Conway on drums. Near perfect covers of Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Dylan. Arguably Sandy's most beautiful and evocative song, "The Sea," featuring a breathing, tidelike arrangement that raises the impact of the song to the point that it makes you cry tears of joy. And of course, Sandy's jawdropping performance of the traditional ballad "The Banks of the Nile," one of the greatest songs against the horror of war that will ever be written.

Essential stuff, with some nice live tunes tacked on the end including a tremendous version of Sandy's "Nothing More," where her rare gift for tapping the most literal, direct emotions with the most oblique and indirect lyrics is on full display. Get this immediately, turn the lights down low and pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the exquisite, unequallable sound of her soul wash over you.

If you think that's a laughable hyperbole then you haven't heard Sandy Denny, one of the most singular, gorgeous singers and songwriters of all time.

Back in the late 60s, I bought 'Unhalfbricking' and 'Liege and Lief' by Fairport Convention and I have since purchased their re-mastered equivalents on CD. I really enjoy these 2 albums (especially 'Liege and Lief'), so it seemed logical to get 'Fotheringay' also; but, I am rather disappointed - only 'The Way I Feel' and 'Banks of the Nile' are standout tracks for me.

THE SONGS : Four are written by Sandy Denny (all fairly slow tempo) and, whilst I like few of her songs, I don't think the ones here are that strong. She writes in a style to complement her singing style and, to me, there seems to be a certain 'sameness' and predictability about her songs - also, her lyrics are unremarkable. I haven't heard all of her songs but, based upon those that I have heard, I take the view that once you have heard a couple, you have heard them all - as a songwriter, she is not in the same league as Richard Thompson. The remaining songs are by other songwriters plus one traditional song. The additional live tracks do nothing for me (but I tend to prefer studio recordings anyway).

THE VOCALS : Sandy Denny's resonant vocals are first class (as they usually are), exemplifying her poignant and haunting style - but, with the exception of 'Banks of the Nile', they are not up to the unrivalled standard (at least, in my opinion) of 'Farewell, Farewell', 'Crazy Man Michael', 'A Sailor's Life' or 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes'; they are also missing that 'edge' to be heard on songs like 'Tam Lin' and 'Matty Groves'. Trevor Lucas takes the lead vocals on three tracks, he has a pleasant baritone voice which contrasts well with the voice of Sandy Denny. His delivery is sometimes a little monotone, and his 'harmony' vocals on 'Memphis Tennessee' are dreadful.

THE PLAYING & SOUND QUALITY : The band are all fine musicians and they play well, but I would have preferred a little more vitality and instrumental variety - the addition of other instruments (fiddle, banjo, lute, mandolin etc.) would have created a much richer and more interesting sound. I can't compare the re-mastered version with the original, but it sounds pretty good to me - plenty of separation with the instruments and clarity with Sandy Denny's vocals. In contrast, the sound quality of the live tracks is not good and, on louder passages, distortion is evident.

I find I can only listen to one or two tracks at a time - I just get bored after this. For the most part, I think both the mood and sound of the album border on the dreary - but there are a few tracks that I like :

NOTHING MORE (Sandy Denny) - OK song and good vocals by Sandy Denny, fine playing including some really fluent electric guitar from Jerry Donahue.

THE BALLAD OF NED KELLY (Trevor Lucas) - Decent song (not exactly brimming over with melody) but with gritty lyrics about the Australian outlaw. The song has an early 'Dylanesque' feel to it, but I think it works better than the Bob Dylan song - 'Too Much of Nothing'; lead vocals by Trevor Lucas and solid playing by the band.

THE WAY I FEEL (Gordon Lightfoot) - Great song and this version really rocks. Super vocals from Trevor Lucas and some amazing playing (did somebody wake the band up ?) - emphatic 'full on' drumming (Gerry Conway), rich 'chunky' bass (Pat Donaldson) and a blistering half minute electric guitar solo by Jerry Donahue.

BANKS OF THE NILE (Trad. arr. Fotheringay) - a 19th. century English folk song about a young conscript (Willie) ordered to fight for 'queen and country in a foreign land'. His wife (fiancee ?)(Nancy) would rather go with him than stay behind 'to mourn' (fearful of his not returning). Willie tells her that this is not such a good idea (fearful that she would not survive). Stunning, emotionally charged lyrics and 'jaw dropping' vocals from Sandy Denny. Not only an anti-war song, but a tender love song also - and, at 8 minutes long, worth every minute.

With this review, I seem to be in a minority of one, so I'd better quit while I'm behind - I guess I just like much of my folk music 'pepped up' with more of a pop-rock sound.