Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny: Who Knows Where the Time Goes?

A couple of weeks back I took a notion to listen again to a band that were very influential on me when I was a very young boy. When I began to listen to their music again after so long, I genuinely was taken aback at how talented they were and the quality of the material they produced. Particularly when we consider when they took off.

Some of the songs were difficult for me to listen to. I was overwhelmed by memories of my youth and my past. Of my own musical development. But this one brought me to tears.

If you listen to one piece of music today, then listen to this and read the narrative subtly displayed on screen giving some background to the song.

What is not written is the tragic story of this young woman's life that ended in her death at a shockingly young age.

Please enjoy it if you have the time:

[media=https://youtu.be/DeZL2FXkGqI]

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WalterF · 70-79, M

Steeleye Span were popular at the same time, also in the "electric folk" category. For me, they had the edge.

ronnie · 56-60, M

@WalterF I was also a fan of Steeleye but I did prefer Fairport. Steeleye certainly seemed to overtake Fairport in terms of popularity, but I think Steeleye stuck more to the traditional songs whereas Fairport mixed it up a bit more?

WalterF · 70-79, M

@ronnie Not sure, I didn't listen much to Fairport Convention then. I only listened to pop music in my teenage years. There was also Pentangle, at the same time?

I discovered Steeleye at University, when a friend invited me to a concert by them. I was completely won over. That guitar solo near the end of Alison Gross was orgasmic for me!

Seen them several times in recent years

ronnie · 56-60, M

@WalterF I have several of their albums up in the loft but have not listened to them for a long time. I did like Maddy Prior's vocal and the violinist (was it Peter Knight?). I got into them pretty early since it was Gaudete that I heard - which was pretty early. The close harmonies were excellent and I remember them perform it, lined up at the front of the stage.

Aaaaaah, the memories.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

Pentangle ere good too.

ronnie · 56-60, M

@Entwistle Yes and I am sure that Sandy Denny was a member of the band also.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

@ronnie She was a member of a band called The Strawbs before she was in FC.

ronnie · 56-60, M

@Entwistle Yep, I realised that but thought she was also in Pentagle. I think she may have recorded this song with The Strwbs but was not happy with that and when she joined Fairport, they allowed her more control over the interpretation. But to be honest, Thompson playing on this is wonderful. It is subtle but compliments the song brilliantly.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

I love Sandy's voice. Not as nice as Maddie Prior's though.

novaguy2u · 70-79, M

A great group in all their iterations.

novaguy2u · 70-79, M

Fabulous song.

caesar7 · 61-69, M

I am a huge fan of Jethro Tull and two of FC's band members have joined JT, namely Dave Pegg and Gerry Conway. So, I was introduced to FC because of them, and really appreciate their music. Thanks for sharing!!

ronnie · 56-60, M

@caesar7 I did not know that. I saw Tull at Celtic Park, I am sure.

Entwistle · 56-60, M

@caesar7 I'm a huge Jethro Tull fan too. Played a few covers of theirs years ago.

caesar7 · 61-69, M

@Entwistle I did also!! I guess we are both musicians as well! 👍

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