These tracks tend to be early recordings of new talent on the British folk scene and the whole album is a snapshot of the folk scene back in 1972. Shelagh McDonald shows her vocal strength in an up-tempo track that does not feature on her solo albums (which are highly prized these days). Al jones appears twice on the album and his first offering is a beautiful song with great flute accompanying his guitar (which at times sounds a little like the riff from Ferry Cross the Mersey). More flute appears on Synanthesia’s Trafalgar Square with a really pleasant track. P.C Kent’s Broadened is a nifty little instrumental. Robin Scott follows with a haunting song, full of poetry and images, somewhat different from his later hit ‘Pop Muzik’!! Nadia Catthouse then sings B.C. people, which has a jazz folk sound, heavy with double bass and her sultry voice floating over the music.
On side 2, Martin Carthy sings a classic traditional folk song Domeama, which is a great story. It has an unusually happy ending too. Some great harmonies on an unusual track by Andy Roberts follows, before Nadia Catthouse appears again with one of the stand-out tracks of the album – ‘All around my Grandmother’s floor’ great lyrics with Nadia’s delicate vocals creating a world we just glimpse at. As a complete contrast we then have Keith Christmas describing a completely different world that is supported by a more upbeat and less PC honky tonk sound. Mike Hart then takes us into a more desperate situation where the kids are starting to ruin his relationship, especially his sex life!! Great lyrics. Al Joes completes the album with a great instrumental – recommended.
Hopefully this will give an introduction to some stars of the British Folk Revival from the late 60s and early 70s that may not have come to your attention before.
