CAEDMON

Scotland-based Folk Rock ensemble, established in 1973 by both English and Scottish students of the Edinburgh University.Originally they started with Andy Love on guitar, Angela Naylor on vocals and Ken Patterson on multiple instruments.In early 74' they were joined by multi-instrumentalist/singer Simon Jaquet and bassist/guitarist Sam Wilson, while at the end of the year they added Jim Bisset on guitars/vocals.Jaquet leaves in 1975 for France due to his course and he is replaced for a short time by Alan Torrance.Upon his return Caedmon's live activity becomes more intense and in 1978 the band (without Love, who had quit) records a self-titled album at the small Barclay Towers Studio in Edinburgh to celebrate the five years of existence.A rare private album, this one was pressed in about 500 copies and was sold at the Farewell Concert in George Square, Edinburgh in March 78'.

While not overly progressive, Caedmon were definitely more convincing and intricate than many well-known British Folk Rock groups, playing some elaborate, rural music with certain electric explosions and Christian-inspired lyrics.Moreover their sound was pretty rich with intricate acoustic instrumentals, mostly based on violin, cello and mandolin, combining the depth of strings instruments with the more modern sound of keyboards (propably piano and harsichord).Naylor's angelic voice is on par with ANNIE HASLAM's, offering dreamy and clean performances.Of course there are moments when the band passes through more psychedelic paths with light electric tunes, laid-back acoustic guitars and sensitive, lyrical passages.On the other hand though Caedmon moved a bit further from the Classic Folk acts of the British scene, introducing a balanced electric guitar, which produces some emotional solos with even some jazzy taste at moments, which made their style even more flexible, especially in the more dense tracks, which featured the ethereal sound of keyboards.Some of the lyrics do sound a bit cheesy if you are not deep into the Christian spirit, but the music deserves some praise for being quite elaborate with its slight progressive vibes, more particularly in the instrumental themes, which consist of some good acoustic and electric interplays.

Caedmon disbanded the same year, but a surprising comeback in 2008 led to a second album in 2010, ''A chicken to hug'', featuring all members of the first album except for Angela Naylor.

Smooth Psych/Folk Rock with occasional proggy textures.Impressive vocals, airy soundscapes but also some pretty nice instrumental ideas.Recommended, a CD reissue is already available.