Reviews
Artist: Fairport Convention
Album: Festival Bell
Label: Matty Grooves
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.fairportconvention.com
For those that weren't sure (or are just into a bit of trivia) at last count Fairport Convention have recorded a staggering twenty-seven 'official' studio and live albums and excluding the 'lost in action' "Manor Album" makes "Festival Bell" their twenty-eighth to date. How they have managed to hold everything together for so long is quite beyond me.
Perhaps it's the fact that every now and then they inject themselves with some kind of longevity serum and kick-start the latest episode with a batch of new songs and tunes.
The majority of the writing credits these days are equally spread between Ric Sanders and Chris Leslie with occasional contributions from their pals Ralph McTell, Chris While, Richard Shindell, Carolyn & Mark Evans and Sandy Denny who is fondly remembered with a reprise of "Rising For The Moon".
With Mr Leslie on board as storyteller in chief his ballad writing is given the strength and conviction it requires from Simon Nicol's rendering of the ill-fated tale of HMS Investigator's failed attempt to find Lord Franklin.
Buoyed by the reflective rhythm section of Dave Pegg and Gerry Conway, this chilling tale (I suppose it would have to be as it's based in Canada) is excellently articulated in the song "Mercy Bay".
Of course, as with most Fairport albums there is a balance to the 'rock-opera' ballads and on this album the light relief comes in the form of "Ukulele Central". Mob handed, our heroes spar with their own particular hero Joe Brown and even a guest appearance from Frank Skinner and whilst name-dropping the likes of George Formby and Betty Grable there's sadly no mention of Israel Kamakawiwo'oles. Come to think of it there may have been a problem getting his name to rhyme? For Fairport fans everywhere and even those who haven't yet discovered the band's music this is a welcome addition to anyone's CD collection
Peter Fyfe