Myths and Heroes (Matty Grooves, 2015)
Fairport Convention, one of the pioneers of English folk-rock is still strong after several decades. The current version of the band still features original vocalist and guitarist Simon Nicol. Their new album Myths and Heroes contains new songs and tunes composed by Fairport Convention multi-instrumentalists Chris Leslie and Dave Pegg and other songwriters.
Although Fairport Convention delivers electric material, Myths and Heroes also includes contemporary acoustic folk music with outstanding performances by Leslie on mandolin and various other instruments.
The repertoire includes rocking pieces, ballads, captivating vocal harmonies, instrumentals and even progressive folk. Highlights include ‘Clear Water’, the instrumental ‘The Fylde Mountain Time / Roger Bucknall’s Polka’, the bittersweet ‘John Condon’, the lively instrumental ‘The Gallivant’ featuring the band along with a string and brass ensemble; the delightful vocal performance on ‘The Man in the Water’, the irresistible folk-rock of ‘Bring Me Back My Feathers’, the progressive folk sensibility of ‘Grace and Favour’, and the memorable ballad ‘Home’.
The lineup on Myths and Heroes includes Simon Nicol on vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar; Dave Pegg on vocals, bass guitar, bass ukulele, double bass, bouzouki, mandolin, tenor banjo; Chris Leslie on vocals, mandolin, bouzouki, violin, banjo, Celtic harp, tenor guitar, chromatic harmonica, whistle; Ric Sanders on violin, keyboards, ukulele, bass ukulele; and Gerry Conway on drums, percussion.
Guest musicians on Myths and Heroes include Matt Pegg on bass, Joe Broughton on violin, Paloma Trigas on violin, Aria Trigas on violin, Rob Spalton on trumpet, Jake Thornton on alto saxophone, Benjamin Hill on alto saxophone, and Emma Jones on tenor saxophone.
Myths and Heroes is a splendid modern English folk album by of of the most significant bands in the past decades.
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Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
