Fairport Convention (1968) by Fairport Convention
- Papa Merv
- Oct 20, 2022
- 2 min read
Unique debut album from this British group, with an American acid-pop sound, prior to their transition to a British folk group. Subsequent albums received more attention, due to the superb vocalist Sandy Denny, but this album has some beautiful and solid gems.
My introduction to Fairport Convention came just a few years ago, when a dear friend posted a tune from Sandy Denny's 3rd group, Fotheringay. I immediately began to look up other Sandy Denny projects, and soon ended up with Fairport Convention's first 5 albums, and Sandy Denny's 4 studio solo albums. Some of these will be featured on future blog posts.
This album does not feature Sandy Denny (she was still with The Strawbs). Rather, the female vocalist is Judy Dyble. The album largely features mildly psychedelic covers of American folk rock, with a blend of other styles including country-western and jazz.
Why I like this album
Judy Dyble's vocals are beautiful. Reminiscent of Judith Durham of the Australian folk group The Seekers, or of Jacqui McShee of British folk-jazz group Pentangle.
Richard Thompson's guitar-work is sublime. Just listen.
The vocal harmonies, particularly Judy Dyble and Ian MacDonald (Mathews, not to be confused with Ian McDonald of King Crimson), are marvelous. It is these harmonies that make the covers transcend the originals (thinking particularly of the Joni Mitchell covers - no slight on Joni, who's recordings are purely beautiful).
Album Highlights (with YouTube links)
I Don't Know Where I Stand is to me the standout song on the album. A Joni Mitchell tune from her album Clouds, this cover version features haunting vocal duets and sublime counterpoint guitars.
Decameron, an original composition by guitarist Richard Thompson, is a gentle and melancholy piece in 6/8 time, with Ian dominating the vocals, accompanied only by quiet guitars.
Chelsea Morning is another Joni Mitchell-penned track from her album Clouds, this features some adventurous psychedelic arranging and sound effect, galloping percussion, and perfect harmonies.
Sunshade is a mellow Latin-jazz-tinged tune written by Richard Thompson and colleagues, and with Ian-dominated vocals. Just a nice gentle listen, good for lazy afternoons and evenings.
One Sure Thing is a haunting yet rocking break-up song, from American folk due Jim and Jean. Showcasing Judy's crystal-clear solo vocal, more intricate guitar playing, a groovy bass rhythm, some piercing electric guitar solos, and a very interesting and exotic-sounding mandolin solo.
Honorable Mentions:
Portfolio is a fun psychedelic piano-driven instrumental.
Jack O' Diamonds is a psychedelic rock-and-roll cover of a traditional American folk song, featuring some spooky recorder playing by Judy.
If (Stomp) is a band-written original, a fun, jumpy little tune
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