LIEGE & LIEF

In the same way that King Crimson effectively set the template for Progressive Rock with their debut, Fairport Convention effectively set the template for English Folk Rock.It is almost impossible to overstate just how important and influential this album was when it was released.Fairport had dabbled with electrifying English Folk on their previous album with A Sailor's Life". However Leige and Lief almost entirely comprises English Folk songs and tunes with the exception of three songs all of which were played in the same Folk-Rock style.

Particularly impressive is the way the group presents the music.For example with the second track "Reynardine", rather than simply providing a rock beat they provide a haunting atmospheric backing. The first real "rocking" traditional song is "Matty Groves" which features some wild fiddle playing by Dave Swarbrick and the end of the song leads into an energetic instrumental workout.This track is probably the best known track on the album and is still performed over fifty years later.The other "Epic" is Sandy Denny's rousing version of the Scottish song"Tam Lin"signing all twenty verses.

The only purely instrumental track is a medley of traditional tunes including "Rakish Paddy, "Foxhunter's Jigs and Toss the Feathers all performed with fiddle plus electric guitars and bass and the all important full drum set providing the all important rock beat.If any track can claim to "invent" English Folk Rock" it is surely this track.I simply cannot think of an earlier recording of traditional tunes being presented like this.I do not think it would be exaggerating to state Fairport invented English Folk Rock.

Even the originals like the album opener Sandy Denny's "Come All ye" are played in a similar Folk-Rock style so blend in perfectly with the traditional numbers.

Production wise , I would be the first to admit it is a little flat in places and I actually think they improved as a playing entity on later albums especially "Bonny Bunch Of Roses" and "Tippler's Tales" but this album is where it all really began.Neve the less it is still an enjoyable album all these decades later.

A solid five stars

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