Search - John Renbourn :: Ship of Fools

John Renbourne is no fool on Ship of Fools

Forrest Aguirre | Madison, WI USA | 07/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Renbourn's departure from the complications of previous work is like a fresh breeze. His minimalist approach suits well this collection of traditional and neo-traditional celtic songs. If you liked Sir John A Lot, you will like Ship of Fools. The key ingredient to this album, missing from earlier works, is the enchanting, almost dreamlike work of vocalist Maggie Boyle. The flat guitar work in "I live not where I love" does not do her justice, while the driving cadence of the title track highlight her ethereal voice - you cannot get this song out of your head. Her work on the recorder also accentuates her vocal work and, in combination with John Renbourn's restrained, yet punchy guitar work, create a musical faerie tale that is not soon forgotten."

An excellent recording

Matthew Hayden | Northern California USA | 03/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has a wonderful, relaxed feel to it, which suits the folk-centered music very well. The choral work on the closing piece, "Traveller's Prayer," is amazing -- it is hard to believe that four voices (Maggie Boyle, John Renbourn, Tony Roberts, and Steve Tilston) can make so much music. "I live not where I love" sounds as if it walked through a door from 1800 or thereabouts. It's a truly wonderful period piece that recalls Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters. "Maltese Brawl" has nothing to do with fighting; it's a dance, and foot-tappable.It's clear that John Renbourn and company spent some time programming this album; it flows from track to track very naturally. And the music is wonderful, as one expects from John Renbourn."

A SCA Essential - Highly Recommended!

musicfan28if | 06/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album has that medieval style that Renbourn, Fairport Convention and Incredible String Band were known for. "Searching For Lambs" starts it off with some pulsing bodhran drum with acoustic guitar, flute and Maggie Boyle on vocals. The song is wonderful in every aspect, lyrics, vocals and music. "Bogey's Bonnie Belle" has spritely whistle and lilting unison vocals with instrumental passages evocative of Scotland. "Lark In The Clear Air" has a solo flute later joined by some other woodwinds, but very unadorned. "The Martinmass Wind" features Maggie's vocals and acoustic guitar, another natural song. "Cobbler's Jig/Maltese Brawls" is an upbeat jig (of course!) with a variety of instruments including bodhran and whistles. "I Live Not Where I Love" is a beautiful ballad sung by Maggie with acoustic guitar. "The Verdant Braes of Screen" is a Scottish ballad with Steve Tilston on lead vocals, and Northumbrian pipes. "Ship of Fools" has great lyrics beautifully sung by Maggie Boyle, and perfectly performed, one of this album's many highlights. "Traveller's Prayer" closes the album with a medieval-flavor chant sung in unison, and great lyrics."