Hedgehog Pie

The group was formed around 1972, and could be heard for the first time on record as a backing band for the northern English folksinger Tony Capstick on his LP entitled HIS ROUND (Rubber Records/Rub 002). At that time, the group was comprised of Jed Grimes (guitars), Martin Jenkins (violin & mandolin), Michael Doonan (flutes), and the husband-and-wife team of Stu Luckley (bass) and Margi Luckley (vocals). As with early Steeleye Span, there was as yet no drummer in the band. Doonan, son of the renowned traditional Northumbrian piccolo player John Doonan, and Jenkins, previously with the folk-rock group Dando Shaft, helped' give the new band credentials sufficient enough to merit a signing in their own right to the same small Newcastle-based folk music label that had recorded Tony Capstick, namely Rubber Records Ltd.

Hedgehog Pie's self-titled first album (RUB 009), engineered by Keith Herd and produced by the aforementioned Puck Kemp, was recorded in September 1974, but not released until the following year. Its ten tracks were divided into four instrumentals -generally featuring Doonan's flute, Jenkins on mandolin, a plucked electric bass, and a heavily strummed electric guitar (in the style used by Richard Thompson on Fairport's "Tarn Lin") - and six vocal tracks. Of the latter, side one's "Mariners" (performed in an arrangement later adopted by Fairport for their album TIPPLERS' TALES), and "Rosemary Lane," (a Bert Jansch favorite, performed here in a style quite reminiscent of Fairport's "Crazy Man Michael"), along with side two's "Jack Orion" (complete with instrumental passages between the verses just as Fairport was to do later) are among the high points. Listening to Margi Luckley on the first and third of these ballads would easily allow her to be mistaken for Maddy Prior. Indeed, her voice, even in the quieter passages, portrays the same gutsy quality rather than the more delicate breathy sound of a Sandy Denny. As a final note about these early sessions, a tune inexplicably omitted from this LP - the traditional instrumental "Drops of Brandy" - was subsequently issued on disc one of the four-record ELECTRIC MUSE set on Island/Transatlantic.

The critical success (versus the commercial success that it was not) of their self-titled album, accompanied by generous praise of their live performances, was encouragement enough for Hedgehog Pie to contemplate making another LP. By this time a drummer named Dik (Alan Dixon) had joined the band. THE GREEN LADY came in a laminated gatefold sleeve with a colorful cover painting, and various monochrome photographs of the band performing and in the studio on the inside Again boasting ten tracks, the four instrumentals suggested a new direction for the band, moving away from a strictly traditional style to incorporating jazz and hard rock elements. These new ingredients were especially evident on the vocal tracks. Side two's "The Gardener" (trad.), "Daemon Merchant" (Doonan), and Dreamer (Jenkins), served to free the band from their purer folk roots. Only the title tune, which could easily have passed for a Steeleye Span recording, and the preceding instrumental, "Hunter's House/The Oak Tree," sounded like holdovers from earlier sessions.

Download link in comments.

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

"Live in Seattle" 1999





















The live context often tends to exaggerate a musician's natural inclinations -- punk bands play louder and faster, reggae bands crank up the bass an extra notch or two, Irish musicians thrown in wilder ornaments and wind the tempo up a bit. For fiddler Martin Hayes, whose natural tendency is to play in a stately, decorous style that shows off the tune to maximum advantage and minimizes "look at me!" pyrotechnics, the stage is a place to play even more gently and sweetly than he does in the studio. On the other hand, the relative looseness of the live context gives guitarist Dennis Cahill the chance to step out a bit more than he does with Hayes in the studio, and that works very nicely too. This program's centerpiece is an almost 30-minute set of reels and dances that includes the achingly beautiful "Kilnamona Barndance" (taken even more slowly here than on Hayes' debut album), the standard "Rakish Paddy," and a delightful adaptation of Pachelbel's Canon in D minor. Although you might expect fiddle and guitar to sound lonesome and stark without other instruments, Hayes plays with such a sweet tone and Cahill is such a skilled accompanist that the two of them manage to fill the room quite nicely. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide

Gary & Vera Aspey

"A Taste Of Hotpot... With Added Flavoring" 1976

A charming live album, recorded mid-decade at a variety of English folk clubs, with enthusiastic singalongs and amused guffawing by the affable audience members. A nice mix of "serious" traditional folk and goofier humorous asides, with Gary Aspey adopting an onstage persona rather similar to that of humorist Les Barker. Also includes a version of Leon Rosselson's "Don't Get Married, Girls," which may have actually been recorded before the "original," and many other fascinating tunes, including several oldies from Cumbria. I'm pretty sure this album remains out of print, but it's worth picking up if you can find a copy.

DL

Presented by Titus Lux

KISS - Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan [July 20th, 2007]






















Hi Lizardson,
Maybe not your kinda thing but:
Kiss played last week as a three piece.
Paul Stanley was taken to hospital after a heart scare,
but the band played on!
An historic occasion, and here it is:

DISC 1
DISC 2

All the best to Paul & let's hope for a speedy recovery.
Titus Lux.
P.S. It's not my rip so don't shoot the messinger! I've not listened to it yet.
Artwork is included.

Titus Lux. said...
Oops!
Just played it.
It's not the 'heart scare' gig.
It's an audience recording of a show last week but the 3 piece affair was only the other night (in Califonia I believe)
Still, they do 'All American Man' - a rarity. Paul sounds really croaky.
Apologies

Titus Lux. said...
I was wrong with the Kiss but here's one I CAN vouch for:

Blue Oyster Cult in Cleveland 1973





















A radio broadcast - the odd glitch but excellent for the era. From a time when Albert was clearly running the show.
Not my rip. Artwork inc.

Download

Play it loud!!

Presented by Manila #3

Manila said...
Hi Lizardson.
I'm willing to bet that quite a few people here - at least those in Europe of a certain age! - first heard Fairport Convention, Nick Drake or John Martyn on one of the 4 legendary sampler albums released by Island Records in the late 60s, early 70s. Here are two of them (the others being 'Bumpers' and 'El Pea'). Island's reputation at the time was so good that many of us bought the LPs without even knowing who some of the acts were. Simply being on the Island label was enough.


"You Can All Join In" 1969





















Tracks:
01. Song for Jeffrey - Jethro Tull
02. Sunshine Help Me - Spooky Tooth
03. I'm a Mover - Free
04. What's That Sound - Art
05. Pearly Queen - Tramline
06. You Can All Join In - Traffic
07. Meet on the Ledge - Fairport Convention
08. Rainbow Chaser - Nirvana
09. Dusty - John Martyn
10. I'll Go Girl - Clouds
11. Somebody Help Me - Spencer Davis Group
12. Gasoline Alley - Wynder K Frog


"Nice Enough To Eat" 1969





















Tracks:
01. Cajun Woman - Fairport Convention
02. At The Crossroads - Mott The Hoople
03. Better By You, Better Than Me - Spooky Tooth
04. We Used To Know - Jethro Tull
05. Woman - Free
06. I Keep Singing That Same Old Song - Heavy Jelly
07. Sing Me A Song That I Know - Blodwyn Pig
08. Forty Thousand Headmen - Traffic
09. Time Has Told Me - Nick Drake
10. 21st Century Schizoid Man - King Crimson
11. Gungamai - Quintessence
12. Strangely Strange But Oddly Normal - Dr Strangely Strange

Links:
Nice Enough To Eat: Download
You Can All Join In: Download

Nice compilation album for all of us!!
Thanks always!!

Dave Burland

"A Dalesman's Litany" 1971

10 tracks, 38 mins, highly recommended It's really a treat to finally have Dave's first album from 1971 available on CD. I've always enjoyed the music of this South Yorkshire performer. His gentle rich warm voice and melodic flowing guitar are appealing on many levels and for all his gentleness he can convey powerful emotions. The material here is all traditional and there are such wonderful songs as Here's The Tender Coming/ Lord Lovel/ The Dalesman's Litany/ William taylor/ The Bleacher Lassie O'Kelvinhaugh and others.

Stonefield Tramp

Terry Friend said...
Hi Everybody! The new Stonefield Tramp album 'Full Circle' will be released in a vinyl and cd package with differant front covers on the cd's for the U.S.A. and U.K market. And when I say the U.K. market I mean Europe and the rest of the world! The band and I are hoping for an end of the year release, possibly in September. I suggest you keep an eye on my website www.anothercountrysong.com where I will be posting further updates. With best wishes from Terry Friend.

Parrish & Gurvitz

In 1971 The Gun broke up Paul Gurvitz started this act simply called Parrish & Gurvitz,(Brian Parrish, formerly of Badger), which was produced by George Martin.This was a one-off project on the Regal Zonophone label featuring the additional talents of Mike Kellie (ex-Spooky Tooth,Art), Micky Gallagher (pre-Ian Dury) and Rick Wills (pre-Foreigner).Lush production over beautiful crafted songs fully infused with the US west-coast sound.

Meg Baird / Helena Espvall / Sharron Kraus

"Leaves From Off The Tree" 2006

Charles Franklin:
"Leaves From Off the Tree" is an intensely beautiful album of traditional folk songs performed by three women who show a clear love for the material which they are interpreting. There are a couple things that really make this collection stand out for me: the careful selection of the pieces which were recorded, and the sweet, minimal quality of their performances. I'm not exaggerating when I say that some of the melodies on this disk stand out as being some of the most beautiful I've ever heard. Tracks like "Bruton Town", and "Westlin' Winds" put me on the verge of tears with ease. I am reminded of another great interpreter of folk songs, Shirly Collins. Baird, Espvall, and Kraus seem to be treading similar territory in their choice of songs with occasional darker undertones. Usually the lyrics sweep by so sweetly that I don't have a chance to notice the strange or sad qualities of the stories that are being told, but closer attention is rewarded as the stories of these songs unfold and stick in your memory long after the album is over.

"Leaves From Off the Tree" isn't entirely perfect however; my main complaint being the acapella pieces, which seem to drag on and overstay their welcome. Honestly, I find myself skipping over these tracks on repeated listenings. The rest of the tracks more than make up for any shortcomings, and as a whole this is an outstanding album, and a joy to listen to.

Presented by Manila #2

Pisces "Pisces" 1971

















Manila said...
Here's a rare one. UK readers of this blog will probably know Richard Digance from his many TV appearances as a comedian/singer/comic poet etc., etc. I'm sure they will also know - given the depth of knowledge displayed by just about everyone here! - that he started out playing folk clubs in the late 60s, early 70s, and was once a member of the folk group (later duo) Pisces.

Well, here is the album he recorded with Pisces on the Trailer label in 1971. It's light, sometimes whimsical stuff, but there's some pretty good acoustic guitar work and tight harmonies. I have to say I prefer his later, solo work, but I know a lot of people are searching for these old, long-deleted albums, so hopefully this will make someone's day.

Personnel:
Richard Digance - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
Tim Greenwood - Bass, Guitar, Vocals
John O'Connor - Guitar, Bass, Vocals

Tracks:
Bright new morning; Ballad of Benjamin Bratt; After the night; Jack O'Legs; If I sing you a song; Midsummer symphony; Sam the one eyed snail; If The Truth Be Known; Poker Joe.

As always, many thanks to Lizardson for hunting out all the hard to find, brilliant music on this blog.

Recommended by Farlac

Farlac said...
I have this double album called "Jazz Meets the World", which is a series of
recordings by primarily European jazz musicians of the 60's exploring and
collaborating with other musicians around the world. One track with some of
Germany's finest: Albert Mangelsdorff, Joki Freund, Gunter Lenz, is a
collaboration with English folk singers Colin Wilkie & Shirley Hart. I do
not have any other music by Wilkie, but, I am sure I have heard him before.
And what a unique and fantastic voice. I am hoping that you or someone else
on this board can post any albums by him, particularly from the 60s and 70s.
I just looked up these official sites, but, have yet to explore them:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=98710084

http://colin.lichterkettenraucher.de/

I have also uploaded to rapidshare the track from Jazz Meets the World. The
song is called "Icy Acres".

Colin Wilkie - Icy Acres.mp3

thanks in advance.

Link

Lal & Mike Waterson - Bright Phoebus: Good job I kept my turntable...

5 Hand Reel

Five Hand Reel was formed originally in 1974 from the remnants of UK electric folk band Spencer's Feat: bassist Barry Lyons, Tom Hickland on fiddle and keyboards, and drummer Dave Tulloch. Enlisting two Scottish musicians, fiddler Chuck Fleming and singer/guitarist Bobby Eaglesham, they decided to call themselves Five Hand Reel. They started gigging in late 1974, playing their first London show at King's Cross Cinema. However in early 1975, Chuck Fleming returned to his previous band. His replacement was legendary Scottish singer and guitarist Dick Gaughan, an ex member of The Boys of the Lough. The live debut of the renewed band was at the Half Moon in Putney in summer 1975.

Five Hand Reel signed with Rubber Records in 1976 and recorded their first album, "Five Hand Reel", at Impulse Studios in Newcastle on Tyne. It was voted as "Folk Album of the Year" for 1976 by Melody Maker.

Tommy Flanders

"The Moonstone" 1969





















Tommy Flanders is best known as the original lead singer of the Blues Project, appearing on their first single and their 1966 debut album, Live at the Cafe Au-Go-Go. By the time that album came out in March 1966, however, he'd left the band, and only four tracks on the LP featured him on vocals, though some outtakes and alternate versions from the recording sessions surfaced on the Blues Project Anthology compilation. Flanders was then signed to the Blues Project's label, Verve, as a solo artist, and issued three obscure singles on Verve or its parent label, MGM, between 1967 and 1970. In 1969, he also issued an equally obscure solo album, The Moonstone, which in contrast to his early Blues Project work spotlighted his own compositions, which were in a very mellow folk-rock and singer/songwriter style. Flanders later rejoined the Blues Project when the band briefly reunited with altered personnel for the 1972 album Blues Project. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide

Presented by hermanthgegerman

hermanthgegerman said...

hi lizardson,
how are you're doin? seems your business is thriving well, as you are often abroad travelling. Thanks for the continuing supply with great posts!

Look at this link - maybe you want to publish it (or is this 2007-album "too fresh" for posting?)

It's

Robin Williamson "The Iron Stone" (2007)



















Folk
200 kbps VBR
63:41 min

01 - the climber 03:30
02 - sir patrick spens 07:26
03 - wyatt's song of reproach 03:22
04 - there is a music 03:41
05 - even such is time 02:19
06 - the iron stone 05:56
07 - the badger 04:38
08 - political lies 04:17
09 - the yellow snake 03:07
10 - loftus jones 04:16
11 - bacchus 04:22
12 - the praises of the mountain hare 03:01
13 - to god in god's absence 05:42
14 - verses at ellesmere 04:27
15 - henceforth 03:37

Link

The Dubliners: HUMPPAZOID'S HOUSE

Cajun Moon

A short-lived project led by Brighton, England-born 12-string guitarist and songwriter Allan Taylor, Cajun Moon created a seamless blend of Appalachian, Cajun, and British folk influences. Although they seemed destined for stardom after they followed their critically successful self-titled debut with a high profile tour as opening act for Steeleye Span, they were forced to disband when Taylor experienced severe throat problems. Taylor had previously established himself as an important new voice of British folk music. His 1971 solo album, Sometimes, featured accompaniment from Fairport Convention's Dave Mattacks, Dave Pegg, and Dave Swarbrick. Temporarily moving to New York the following year, he ran into financial difficulties after recording his second album, The American Album, with session musicians in Nashville and Los Angeles. Returning to England, he formed Cajun Moon with fiddler Brian Golbey and keyboard player Jon Gillespie. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide

Presented by Manila

The Bushwackers Band "Flash Jack From Gundagai"
















Manila said...
This is a compilation of Australian band The Bushwackers' two late-'70s albums, Murrumbidgee and Bushfire, so I've divided them into separate files as they originally appeared.

I've often thought this is the kind of music Ashley Hutchings might have made had he been born in Toowoomba rather than Southgate! Great, foot-stomping stuff and excellent musicianship.

Andwella

"World's End" 1970





















Andwella (also known as Andwella's Dream and The Method) were an obscure UK/Irish band in London in 1969. Specialising in progressive rock, they were fronted by Dave Lewis from Northern Ireland, who went on to write Happy To Be An Island In The Sun that was recorded by and became an international hit for Demis Roussos.

They released three LPs: Love & Poetry (Reflection 1969), World's End (CBS 1970) and People's People (CBS 1971). Their track "World's End" was played frequently in the early 70's on the then-underground FM station out of Georgetown, WMAL. The original vinyl LP 'Love & Poetry' has for some time been a valuable collector's item.

Bob Johnson & Peter Knight

"The King Of Elfland's Daughter" 1977





















Narrated by Christopher Lee (who also portrays the part of King Of Elfland), this is the story of the ill-advised decision by the people of the land of Erl to demand that their Lord's son, Alveric [Frankie Miller], go to Elfland to steal and marry the King of Elfland's daughter, Lirazel [Mary Hopkin], in order to bear a magic son to rule Erl. Pausing only to get himself a sword forged from a thunderbolt [P.P.Arnold]. Alveric and Lirazel end up happily settled in the mortal world when the King sends a troll [Alexis Korner] with a rune, and Lirazel is forced to return to Elfland, which means Alveric has to go on another quest to find her.
Finally the King relents and in a compromise annexes Erl into Elfland, which leads to the final song 'Beyond The Fields We Know', beautifully sung by Mary Hopkin.

1. The Request
2. Lirazel
3. Witch
4. Alvers Journey Through Elfland
5. The Rune Of The Elf King
6. The Coming Of The Troll
7. Just Another Day Of Searching
8. Too Much Magic
9. Beyond The Fields We Know

Yorkshire Relish

"The Celebrated Barnsley" 1978

See cover photo for details.

01. The Hounds Are Out 02. The Old Cock Crows 03. The Tailor's Breeches 04. Henry Martin 05. Bedlam City 06. The Old Miner 07. Close The Coalhouse Door 08. Cupids Garden 09. Go From My Window

10. Midgley Pace-Egg Song 11. Sprig O' Thyme 12. Hob-Y-Derri-Dando 13. A Brisk Young Sailor 14. The Welton Hunt 15. The Old Woman From Yorkshire 16. Tarry Wool 17. I Went To Market 18. May Song

Download link in comments.

Cockersdale

"Doin' the Manch" 1988

Mel Howley:
It was way back in 1988 that Keith and Val Marsden, Graham Pirt, and John O'Hagan went into Paul Adams' Fellside studio to record this album, some three years before Keith's sad and untimely demise, due to a heart attack.

'The Manch' is a major road in Bradford, now much changed, but once renowned for the number of pubs on it - 27 or 28, depending on how you counted! Either way a drink in each was quite a challenge, and this clever and witty song is typical of Keith's skills as a wordsmith. But they weren't all funny. Keith also had a serious side to his writing - there is the pathos of 'Morley Main', just a "small" mining disaster; the class distinction within the mill working against true love in 'Willy-Ole Lad'; and the sad twists of fate that befall a man's retirement from a life working in 'Prospect Providence'. The horrors and waste of the 'Great' war are addressed in 'Normandy Orchards', with more recent social and political comment in 'Knocking At The Door' - prompted by the Thatcher Years. Keith's songs are underpinned by the skills of a fine wordsmith and an astute observer, and are immensely singable. But besides Keith's songs this CD has a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, thoughtful and well-balanced, which allowed Cockersdale to display that wonderful harmony singing which made them firm favourites at clubs and festivals up and down the country. Bellamy's 'Black and Bitter Night' stands out, as does Sarah Morgan's adaptation of 'Home Lads Home', but there isn't a weak song on this recording!

The CD is part of Fellside's 25th Anniversary Reissue Series, and as my Cockersdale vinyl has definitely seen better days this is a very welcome replacement, especially with the bonus of the three additional live tracks, and Fellside's usual attention to production values. Excellent songs, excellent singing, excellent CD!

To Lucy...

Anno Domini - On This New Day

Please wait for your other reqs.

Bill Caddick

"Sunny Memories" 1977
"Reasons Briefly Set Down ..." 1978

A veteran of England's folk-rock scene since the 1960s, Bill Caddick has made his greatest impact as a songwriter. His tunes have been covered by June Tabor, Alex Campbell, Christy Moore, Peter Rowan, Gordon Bok, Cherish the Ladies, Priscilla Herdman, Prudence Johnson, Jean Redpath, and John Kirkpatrick and used as the soundtracks of numerous musical plays produced by the National Theater and Granada TV. Caddick's five solo albums, Rough Music, Sunny Memories, Reasons Briefly Set Down, The Wild West Show, and Winter With Flowers, are balanced by a variety of collaborations. He joined with the Albion Band to provide the music for National Theater productions Larkwise and The Passion, and worked with British musicians Peter Bond and Tim Laycock in an informal trio that continues to occasionally perform. As a founding member of British folk-rock band Home Service, Caddick recorded three memorable albums, Doing the Inglish, Home Service, and Alright Jack, in the early '80s.

Singing in British folk clubs since the early-'60s, Caddick focused on organizing and performing at folk festivals until 1973, when he joined a puppet/street theater group called Magic Lantern. Leaving to embark on a solo career two years later, he recorded his debut solo album, Rough Music, in 1975. Caddick's involvement with theater began when he rewrote the music of his second album, Sunny Memories, for a show that premiered at the Roundhouse in London and continued to be performed during a subsequent tour. Although he maintained his solo career, Caddick became increasingly involved with collaborations. After working with the Albion Band in 1977, and the trio Bond, Caddick & Laycock in the late '70s, he helped to form Home Service in 1981. He remained with the group until resuming his solo career with his fourth album, The Wild West Show, in 1985. Temporarily relocating to London in the late '80s, Caddick released a limited-edition cassette, Urban Legend. He recorded his fifth solo album, Winter With Flowers, shortly after returning to his homeland in the midlands. Currently residing in Shropshire, Caddick continues to perform as a soloist and with the Jackfield Riverbillies. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide

Sample pic of "Sunny Memories": 1, 2

Download link in comments.

Ray Fisher

"Willie's Lady" 1982


www.folk-legacy.com
Ray is Archie's sister, and she is a leading interpreter of the ancient ballads of her native Scotland. We recorded her during one of her first concert tours in this country, a powerful set of mostly traditional songs and ballads.

01. The Pressers
02. The Bonnie Wee Lassie That Never Said No
03. The Red Haired Man's Wife
04. The Kye Have Come Hame
05. Willie's Lady
06. Are Ye Sleepin' Maggie
07. Miller Tae My Trade
08. The Weary Cutters
09. Betsy Bell
10. Over Yonder Banks
11. When Fortune Turns The Wheel

Aly Bain

Renowned for his Shetland style of fiddle playing, Aly Bain was born in the Shetland town of Lerwick in 1946. He began learning the fiddle at the age of 11, and earned money playing around the local area. He recorded two albums in the mid-'70s with his mentor Tom Anderson, and has also recorded with Richard Thompson and Bert Jansch. Bain is well-known in England as a TV presenter for his series Down Home (and its accompanying albums), which examined the spread of fiddle and folk music from the British Isles to North America. His first solo album appeared in 1985, and the many follow-ups also explore common roots, including not only Scottish folk, but songs from France, Ireland, Canada, and on Aly Meets the Cajuns (1988), the music of Louisiana. Bain joined the Boys of the Lough in 1988, and has hosted two other English series, Push the Boat Out and The Shetland Set. The solo Ruby followed in 1998. Another Gem, which featured an incredible collaboration with Scottish accordionist Phil Cunningham, was issued on Compass Records in spring 2001. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide

Woods Band

Manila said...
Hi Lizardson.

It's about time I made a contribution. I saw The Woods Band live sometime in the early 70s (I seem to remember they were wonderfully LOUD, with Terry Woods playing a solid electric mandola) and went straight out and bought their album. I still love it, all these years later. More acoustic than their live performance, it still has some great tunes and songs.

Hope you guys like it.

Download

Thanx Manila
We all love Woods Band!

Bandoggs

Bandoggs was an example of what was then a rare phenomenon - a folk supergroup. Nic was joined by Pete and Chris Coe and Tony Rose - and they released this one album - trying to present both song and instrumental material in balance. Bandoggs achieved that aim, but never planned for longevity and only toured twice. The album sounds like a good time was had by all - and the most distinctive Jones contribution was his version of the Coppers' Rose of Allendale, which he still cites as one of his favourite songs and has included on the l998 In Search of.. CD. This traditional song contains extreme romantic imagery that could, in less skillful hands, become maudlin and slushy. "And when my fevered lips were parched on Africa's burning sands..." indeed. Nic's unaffected, direct reading of the song draws out the sad-but-hopeful theme and the singer's love for his lady very movingly and with crystal clarity. This is yet another definitive version, this time of an oft-murdered song.

Bandoggs and other early related materials suffer the same fate as that of Nic Jones and others. Here is the story:
Bandoggs, From The Devil To A Stranger, etc., and other early albums were released by Trailer, which was owned by Bill Leader. (Hence also the 'Leader' brand of albums from that period).

But Transatlantic were the distributors for Trailer and for about 11 records – 'Trailer' records were recorded on Transatlantic with the catalogue number beginning LTRA. The copyrights stayed with Trailer.

When Trailer went bust, the copyrights passed to Highway Records. Highway actually re-issued a select few of the recordings (Bandoggs,Nic Jones etc) before they too either went under or sold up. Celtic Music then bought the rights to the entire 'Trailer-Leader' back catalogue and the rest we know about — The music was sentenced to life imprisonment in dusty vaults or possibly even burnt at the stake.

Anonyma (Mary Mc Laughlin & Anne Lister)

"Burnt Feathers" 1987

Mary Mc Laughlin is a singer / songwriter who is steeped in the Gaelic song tradition of her native Ireland. Mary records, performs and teaches workshops in singing skills, performance technique and Gaelic song and culture.

Mary was born and raised in Northern Ireland. At the age of eleven Mary began to learn Gaelic and was influenced by 'sean nos' (old style) singing which she heard in the Donegal Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area). She was also heavily influenced by Latin Church music in her early years.

During her adolescence she began to listen to contemporary singer songwriters from the USA, in particular Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon. These artists not only provided her first models for song writing but also inspired her to develop her vocal harmony skills.

On moving to London, England at age eighteen she became involved in the English Folk Scene, singing and playing guitar and keyboards with various groups.

Mary's first foray into recording was with the London based folk-rock band "Traitor's Gait." Having continued to listen to, and absorb from, various vocal harmony singers (by now she was listening to "Crosby, Stills and Nash" and "Yes"), Mary saw the studio as the perfect vehicle for conveying all the melodies she could hear in her head, but it was to be a decade before she would have the opportunity to explore multi-tracking in depth.

For five years she played in a duo "Anonyma" with Anne Lister and they released an album "Burnt Feathers" in 1987.

Lyrics insert: Click


http://www.annelister.com/
http://www.marymclaughlin.com/

Link

Dick Gaughan - Kist O' Gold: grown so ugly

Stan Rogers

"Fogarty's Cove" 1976





















Stan Rogers came from Hamilton, Ontario, a six-foot-four poet who started out as a rock bassist before turning to folk music. With his rich voice, he used his music to call to life all of the wonder and mysticism of his native Canada. His singing is occasionally mistaken for that of Gordon Lightfoot, but it's huskier and earthier than Lightfoot's, and his repertoire -- made up of song cycles drawn from throughout Canada -- is also more tradition-oriented and more mystical. Rogers died in a fire aboard an Air Canada flight in Cincinnati, OH, in June 1983, leaving behind a half-dozen albums. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide

A dozen songs of and about Nova Scotia, mostly about the sea and all but one written by Rogers. They successfully capture not only a people but their sense of time and beauty, with the Rogers baritone tastefully and effectively moving through the spaces and ages of his subject, and with traditional acoustic backing (guitar, violin, flute, etc.) ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide

Archie Fisher

"The Man with a Rhyme" 1976

A great side effect of the 1990s boom in Celtic music has been the gradual re-release of recordings which otherwise might have been lost to obscurity. One such re-release, from the archives at Folk-Legacy, is Archie Fisher's The Man with a Rhyme.

Fisher is certainly remembered and revered as one of the great Scottish folksingers and songwriters of the 1970s. And this album is a pleasant reminder of where this current craze began. There aren't any frills here -- no bagpipes crashing into electric guitars, no synthesized sound enhancements, no fusions or stage-show glitzes. It's just Fisher's voice and his guitar, accentuated at times by a small band of additional musicians: Kathy Westra on cello, Lani Herrmann on fiddle, Ann Mayo Muir on flute, Lorraine Lee on dulcimer and Wendy Grossman on banjo.

The album gives Fisher's straightforward treatment to several traditional songs as well as a few he wrote himself (and which have gone on to become part of the folk music canon). For the traditionals, he draws on Jacobite history for "Twa Bonnie Maidens" and "Welcome, Royal Charlie," as well as long-popular ballads including "Queen Amang the Heather," the melancholy drinking song "Jock Stewart," "The Echo Mocks the Corncrake," "Upstairs and Downstairs" and "The Cruel Brother."

The first Fisher original on The Man with a Rhyme is "Dark Eyed Molly," based on a few lines of Gaelic poetry and the tune of a Basque lullaby. The slow ballad is on a pair of favorite Gaelic themes: unrequited love and strong drink. Next is a Fisher classic, "The Witch of the West-mer-lands," a grand narrative ballad about a wounded knight who seeks a magical healing for his deadly injuries. Less well known is "Western Island," a lovely "combination of partially fulfilled pipedreams" about a simple life with simple needs.

Another notable song is "The Wounded Whale," drawn from the logs of whaling ships in the 1860s. It's a vivid, compassionate and poetic description of a whale's final struggle in the sea. Fisher also gives a tender voice to Stewart MacGregor's "Coshieville," about a man who follows his ambition and loses his heart.

There are 15 tracks and all, and not a wasted moment among them. This is an excellent collection of Fisher at the peak of the balladeer's art; if you've a fondness for a well-told tale and a well-sung song, this one's for you.

Business Trip

See you on Sunday!

Lost Trails

Shane Solow said...
Thanks for one of the greatest sites in the history of the internet Lizard. This music you are presenting is like a voyage to another galaxy.

Although perhaps this is a little different I thought I might recommend some of the field recordings I did in Turkey, Greece and Romania. You can download COMPLETE songs (not just samples!) from different performers on my web site - Lost Trails.

Here is the link.....

http://www.losttrails.com/pages/music.html

Nic Jones

"The Noah's Ark Trap" 1977
"From The Devil To A Stranger" 1978

Singer Nic Jones was among the most acclaimed artists to emerge from the British folk revival, winning praise for his moving vocals as well as his prowess on guitar and fiddle. Greatly influenced by Martin Carthy, whose percussive guitar style Jones adopted for his own, he first surfaced during the late 1960s as a member of the group the Halliard, mounting a solo career in 1970 with his debut album Ballads and Songs. A collection of traditional tunes distinguished by Jones' outstanding instrumental work, the record also established his mastery of the long ballad; a self-titled effort followed in 1971, but was his last album for six years -- the follow-up, Noah's Ark Trap finally appeared in 1977, with From the Devil a Stranger appearing a year later. Around that same time Jones also joined the short-lived group Bandoggs, releasing an eponymous LP in 1978; other projects included appearances on albums from artists including Richard Thompson and June Tabor. 1980's Penguin Eggs -- named "Folk Album of the Year" by Melody Maker -- was his final new recording; in 1982 he was critically injured in an auto accident and forced to retire from performing. In Search of Nic Jones -- a compilation of archival material including home recordings and BBC sessions -- was released in 1998. A year later, singer/songwriter John Wesley Harding issued Trad Arr Jones, a collection of traditional folk numbers directly inspired by Jones' arrangements. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

Iona

"Iona" 1978





















01. The Sunny Banks, The Glass Of Beer (Reels)
02. The Flower Of Magherally
03. My Darling Asleep, The Regent, The Fair Haired Boy (Jigs)
04. Of All The Fish
05. Charlie Lennon's #1, Charlie Lennon's #2, The Beech Tree (Reels)
06. Finagle's Dream (Song), The Piper In The Meadows Straying (Set Dance)
07. The Jolly Joker, Out With The Boys (Jigs)
08. Geordie
09. To Limerick We Go (Slip Jig), The Barnacle Redowa
10. The Gravel Walks, The Aughdarra (Reels)
11. The Snow It Melts The Soonest, The Road To Lisdoonvarna, The Killavil Fancy
12. Here's A Health (Song), Mickey Sweeney's (Slip Jig)

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Fantastic...

A Skin Too Few

A Skin Too Few; Days of Nick Drake: sunshineonsnow (YouTube)

Troubadours Of British Folk

Vol. 1: Unearthing the Tradition

















01. Rock Island Line - The Lonnie Donegan Skiffle Group
02. Dirty Old Town - Ewan MacColl
03. Down In The Coal Mine - The Ian Campbell Folk Group
04. Kilbogie - Ray & Archie Fisher
05. Angi - Davy Graham
06. Colours - Donovan
07. Love Is Teasin' - Jean Redpath
08. I Am A Rover - The Watersons
09. The Two Magicians - A.L. Lloyd
10. The Lyke Wake Dirge - The Young Tradition
11. Famous Flower Of Serving Men - Martin Carthy
12. Needle Of Death - Bert Jansch
13. Blackwater Side - Anne Briggs
14. First Girl I Loved - The Incredible String Band
15. Rambleaway - Shirley & Dolly Collins
16. Let No Man Steal Your Thyme - The Pentangle
17. The Trees They Do Grow High - Robin & Barry Dransfield
18. Fotheringay - Fairport Convention
19. American Land - WIZZ JONES
20. Skewball - Steeleye Span


Vol. 2: Folk Into Rock

















01. Matty Groves - Fairport Convention
02. Mr. Fox - Mr. Fox
03. Murder Of Maria Marten - Shirley Collins/The Albion Country Band
04. John Barleycorn - Traffic
05. Three Hours - Nick Drake
06. Banks Of The Nile - Fotheringay
07. Tom Tiddler's Ground (Edited Version) - Roy Harper
08. Streets Of London - Ralph McTell
09. Toye - Amazing Blondel
10. Fog On The Tyne - Lindisfarne
11. All Around My Hat - Steeleye Span
12. Cuckoo's Nest - Ashley Hutchings/Richard Thompson/Dave Mattacks/Barry Dransfield/John Kirkpatrick
13. Night Comes In - Richard & Linda Thompson


Vol. 3: An Evolving Tradition

















01. The Grey Funnel Line - Maddy Prior/June Tabor
02. Caledonia - Dougie MacLean
03. The Broom Of The Cowden Knowes - Silly Wizard
04. Tae The Weavers Gin Ye Gang/The Blackberry Bush - The Tannahill Weavers
05. Erin-Go-Brangh - Dick Gaughan
06. Canadee-I-O - Nic Jones
07. She Moves Among Men (The Barmaid's Song) - June Tabor
08. Icarus - Martin Simpson
09. Between The Wars - Billy Bragg
10. Letter From America (Band Verson) - The Proclaimers
11. Dance Called America - Runrig
12. Sorrow/Babylon - Home Service
13. Moving On - Oyster Band
14. 1952 Vincent Black Lightning - Richard Thompson
15. Bratach Bana - Mouth Music
16. Bonny Light Horseman/Michael Turner's Waltz - Eliza Cathy/Nancy Kerr

Hunter Muskett

"Every Time You Move" 1970





















One of the rarest albums of folk-rock originally released on Decca Nova in 1970 is now reissued to extend the knowledge of this great trio formed by Chris George, Terry Hiscock and Doug Morter, and later produced by Keith Relf on their second self titled LP 1973. Absolutely mandatory

Buy this title: amazon.com

Wizz Jones & Werner Lammerhirt

"Roll On River" 1981

WIZZ:
I first met the up and coming young guitarist Werner Lammerhirt at the Steve Club in Berlin in the early 70's. He was to become a fine player, enjoying great success on the burgeoning acoustic scene in Germany. Carsten Linde suggested a collaboration, which resulted in this recording and an extensive tour for the both of us.

The title track is a Bill Boazman song - these days Bill leads The Sonny Black Blues Band.

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