Fairport Convention, Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention, Fairport Convention - Although this was Fairport Convention's debut, it is wrong to judge it in comparison to their later output over the course of the next 3 years. The album was made in 1967 at the height of the 'flower power' era. Consequently it reflected that period, featuring a little psychedelia, 'The Lobster', blues guitar solo on 'It's alright ma, it's only witchcraft', and jazz on 'Sun shade'. The rest of the tracks are given over to a contemporary folk style. Two of these 'I don't know where I stand' and 'Chelsea morning' are both Joni Mitchell songs. Both of these songs are beautifully arranged and played by the band, and those who dismissed Judy Dyble as a non-descript vocalist with the band are sadly showing themselves up as musical Luddites. Comparing her to Sandy Denny is a pointless exercise. Judy's vocal style suited the band extremely well for the material they were doing at that time. 'One sure thing' is another track where she excels. However, she would not have been able to handle traditional folk songs so well, when Fairport later moved on to this genre. By contrast, Ian Matthew's vocals always left me cold, and perhaps this is the only serious flaw I have found with this album. He possesses a weak, high-pitched, dreary voice, which really grates at times as on 'Decameron'. It's odd that Fairport ever needed two vocalists when one was sufficient. However, on 'Sun shade' he just about gets away with it. This is an original song, co-written by Richard Thompson, and is a gentle, jazzy, bossa-nova-style melody. It features an all too short jazz solo by Thompson. It seems regrettable that he could easily have gone on to develop as a jazz guitarist, especially anyone old enough to have heard him live in the Fairports, soloing on 'Reno Nevada. However, Thompson decided he'd go the 'folksie' route instead.

All in all, a curious, highly melodic and beautifully played album, demonstrating the innate talent of the Fairports. Although the album has an 'American'folk sound to it, it is not surprising considering Joe Boyd, an American, produced it, and that the band's then main influences seem to be Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and the Byrds.

It also comes across as a rather sad and restrained album at times, but nevertheless, considering how young the band members were then, it's a pretty remarkable effort.

Peter