THE JOHN RENBOURN GROUP: A MAID IN BEDLAM

A Maid In Bedlan was The John Renbourn Group's first of two studio albums and the best. Utilizing the crystalline vocals of former Pentangle bandmate Jacqui McShee, you would automatically think that stellar results would be a given, but the album surpasses even that. Surrounded by crack musicians, these talented band members were also close personal friends of Renbourn, including his girlfriend at the time, the talented Sue Draham on fiddle and backing vocals. And the happy vibes are evident in the music produced. Focusing on traditional folk songs with new arrangements featuring multiple vocals instead of solo signing, for example, these traditional tunes take on vibrant new life while remaining true to Renbourn's love of early English music.

Shorn of bass and drums, the magical table playing of Keshav Sathe wonderfully fills both music spaces allowing the delicate vocals of McShee and Draham shine, while the woodwinds of Tony Roberts and Drahan's fiddle offer wonderful melodies and counterpoints. Renbourn is happy to play his acoustic guitar in an understated supporting role. An amazing feat of humbleness on behalf of the acoustic guitar virtuoso. All of the songs are so good that it's hard to pick favorites, but the unique multiple vocal reading of "John Barleycorn", featuring the staggered counter backing vocals of both McShee and Draham countering Renbourn's and Robert's harmony leads, must be a highlight. My only complaint is that the album is so enjoyable that just goes by too quickly. Thank God for the replay button.