Search - Fairport Convention :: 25th Anniversary Concert

Chris Leslie Saves Cropredy

PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 05/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First released way back in 1993 0n the Woodworm Label, this 2 CD set features Highlights from the 1992 Cropredy Festival. The Band's Ace Fiddler Ric Sanders had Tumbled through a Plate-Glass Window just prior to the start of this Big event and it all looked Very bad indeed for our Heroes. A call to Mr. Chris Leslie was made and he brought along a Fiddle and a Great Knowledge of the Music he was asked to play and because of him we have these Wonderful CD's



There are lot's of Recordings out there that Document Fairport's Big Weekend, and why should you shell out your money on this one?

There are basically Two Reasons: 1. The Great & Timeless Songs; You get 25 Selections of the Band's Best Tunes, "Matty Groves", "Crazy Man Michael", "Red and Gold" and "Close to the Wind". In addition lot's of lesser known Material is also Presented such as: "Me With You" and "Insult to Injury"

2. This Version of the Modern Fairport Showcased the Talents of Martin Allcock who Could Play just about any Instrument he could pick up, and along with Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Dave Mattacks and the One-Handed Talents of Ric Sanders you a Powerhouse Folk-Rock ensemble that delivers with every note they play. Of course there are 'Guests' for these Show's and for Cropredy 25 they included: Robert Plant, Richard Thompson, Dave Swarbrick, Ashley Hutchings and Ralph McTell.



Of the Highlights over the span of these Two CD's; Chris Leslie sounds Fantastic singing "I Wandered by a Brookside". Robert Plant does a fine rendition of "Girl from the North Country". Fairport Founder Ashley Hutchings leads the Band through a Lively, "Million Dollar Bash" and "Polly on the Shore" sounds Brand new as sung by the Great Ralph McTell. MR. Richard Thompson plays Blistering Lead Guitar on 7 Tracks AND sings a GREAT "Poor Will & the Jolly Hangman". And I will not leave out the Mighty Swarb who gives the Crowd a Really sweet version of "Rosie".



For me this Concert sounds even more Special than the other Cropredy Shows that have been Released, {And lot's Of Cropredy Material IS out there already}. This is essentially the BEST of the BEST as nothing else out there SOUNDS like this one, you can't go wrong in Purchasing this one...FIVE STARS!



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