XXXV

by Fairport Convention

Overview

Neither fish nor foul, Fairport Convention holds a position somewhere between traditional English and contemporary Celtic music. Although mostly acoustic, electric bass and piano make appearances, and while the bandmembers enjoy the folk songs of yesteryear, they also pen new material. The band's approach and style also separate them from the folk-rock of the Richard Thompson/Sandy Denny era, which rocked quite a bit harder. XXXV celebrates the band's long history by dipping into a few old favorites like "I Wandered by a Brookside" and "The Deserter." The group plays as a collective unit, offering a nice blend of mandolin, fiddle, and guitar along with energetic percussion. There's a relaxed version of "The Banks of the Sweet Primroses" and a stately take on Thompson and Dave Swarbrick's "Now Be Thankful." Anna Ryder's vocals add a nice touch to "The Crowd," and Ian Anderson offers some fancy flute work on "Portmeirion." Interestingly, this latter instrumental reminds one of other "new acoustic" compositions by outfits like New Grange, another band on the Compass label. While all of the selections are performed competently and professionally, a certain sameness seeps into the proceedings halfway through the album. It's as though the music has become too safe, too predictable. Fans of Fairport's recent albums, however, will enjoy sitting down with a pint of their favorite beverage and taking a long look back at the band's illustrious history. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/12/2002
Label:	COMPASS RECORDS
UPC:	0766397433226

Tracks

1. Madeleine
2. My Love Is in America
3. The Happy Man
4. Portmeirion
5. The Crowd
6. Banks of the Sweet Primroses
7. The Deserter
8. The Light of Day
9. I Wandered by a Brookside
10. Neil Gow's Apprentice
11. Everything But the Skirl
12. Talking About My Love
13. Now Be Thankful
14. The Crowd Revisited

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Fairport Convention   Primary Artist
Ian Anderson   Guest Artist,Flute
Gerry Conway   Percussion,Drums
Simon Nicol   Guitar,Vocals
Chris While   Vocals
Julie Matthews   Vocals
Mark Tucker   E-Bow,Guitar (Electric)
Ric Sanders   Violin,Baritone Violin,Piano (Electric)
Dave Pegg   Vocals,Guitar (Bass)
Chris Leslie   Violin,Vocals,Mandolin,Tenor Banjo,Electronic Mandolin
Cropredy Crowd   Clapping
Anna Ryder   Piano,Vocals,Accordion,French Horn,Penny Whistle
Chris Knibbs   Trombone
Chas McDevitt   Trumpet

Technical Credits

Gerry Conway   Arranger
Traditional   Composer
Simon Nicol   Arranger
John Dent   Mastering
Ken Craddock   Composer
Fairport Convention   Arranger
John Richards   Composer
Mark Tucker   Mixing,Engineer,Producer
Nigel Stonier   Composer
Richard Thompson   Composer
Ric Sanders   Arranger,Composer
Dave Swarbrick   Composer,Lyricist
Dave Pegg   Producer
Chris Leslie   Arranger,Composer,Lyricist
Stonier   Composer
Michael Marra   Composer
Barbara Berry   Composer
John Richard   Composer,Lyricist
Colin Edwards   Photography
Mick Toole   Cover Photo,CD Art Adaptation
Alfred Williams   Composer
Anna Ryder   Composer,Lyricist
Micheal Marra   Composer,Lyricist
Swindon Library   Composer