Famous Jug Band "O For Summer" 2002

After a break of some thirty years, The Incredible String Band's Clive Palmer is back in the studio with fellow Jug Band members Pete Berryman, Jill Johnson-Sharp and Henry Bartlett.

This is the third album from The Famous Jug Band (much championed by Ralph McTell with whom its members worked) and is again produced by the legendary Pierre Tubbs. Recorded in a village hall in Dorset, England this album of brand new songs is yet another charming venture in English pastorality.

Featuring Jill Sharp's clear, pure voice over the accompaniment of Pete's accomplished guitar playing, Clive's banjo and the distinctive trademark jug-playing of Bartlett (critically regarded as the country's leading exponent of the art).

Psychedelic Folk:
Clive Palmer used to be with the Incredible String Band during their first album, and is especially remembered for his two exceptional albums of C.O.B. from which I especially like the melancholic songs. The Famous Jug Band had two albums with Clive Palmer back somewhere in the seventies. I have the reissue of their first 1969 album "Sunshine Possibilities", an album which I like very much. I know the variety in it takes lots of listeners some time before full appreciation. The melancholy from Clive's voice can still be heard on this album, slightly tempered (-the beautiful song "Sitting alone" reminds very much C.O.B.-). The songs are virtuous, fine folk songs with a good production. You can hear the atmosphere of the cold barn where the recordings are done and where an improvised studio has been installed. Female vocals are by Jillian Johnson-Sharp. Also Peter Berryman from the original band is there. Michael Barlett is replaced by his brother to make this reunion project.