Fairport Convention: Over The Next Hill

Elly Roberts reviews

Fairport Convention
Over The Next HillDistributed by
Matty Grooves

• Released: August 2004
• Rating: 10/10
• Cat. No: MGCD 041

Track listing:

1. Over The Next Hill
2. I’m Already There
3. Wait For The Tide To Come In
4. Canny Capers
5. Over The Falls
6. The Wassail Song
7. The Fossil Hunter
8. Willow Creek
9. Westward
10. Some Special Place
11. Si Tu Dois Partir

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The Fairport Convention road seems to go on forever.

Since 1967, it has been one of Britain’s greatest musical institutions. Withseveral line-ups and a couple of break-ups, the current crop of musicians haveheld the FC flag very much aloft. More than ever, they are one of the fewshining lights in the murky waters of popular music. Electric-folkies they maybe, but they’re still pulling in the punters all over the world.

On the back of a highly successful tour earlier this year, now comes theirlatest studio work. One music critic said that this is their best offering in25 years. I don’t know if I’d go that far, but once again this is an excellent11-track collection.

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There’s a very strong feel-good factor running through the whole album with,I dare say it, a slightly more commercial edge – but no signs of selling-outdetected. It’s bright and breezy from track one, which sets the tone for theremaining ten songs. Forever touring and recording, the current line-up ofRic Sanders, Chris Leslie, Gerry Conway, Dave Pegg and Simon Nicol being theirmost consistent, and arguably their best.

A punchy start with the title track, it features the sublime fiddle work ofRic Sanders. Weak vocals by Nicol let it down. Chris Leslie’s enters next,with the beautiful I’m Already There, as his lightweight singinginterweaves delicately alongside Sanders’ high-octane solos. It must be statedhere and now Sanders’ is possibly the most gifted fiddle player in the worldright now, with this album showcasing his talents. He also brings us theplayful and jaunty five minute instrumental Canny Capers, juxtaposedby the melancholic and dramatic Some Special Place.

Uplifting pop-rocker, Ben Bennion’s Waiting For The Tide To Come In setsthe feet tapping, which would make a great BBC Radio 2 song (come on, TerryWogan).

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Leslie reappears with two further outstanding tracks – Over The Hills andThe Fossil Hunter, the later a tragic true story about Mary Anning (1779 – 1847)who lived in Lyme Regis, Dorset. Taught by her father to look for fossils, hedied in 1810, leaving the family on ‘poor relief ‘ as Mary supported them byfinding fossils. Beautifully written and very touching.

Traditional input comes with a predictably delightful cover of the standardThe Wassail Song, as Leslie and Sanders’ counterplay of mandolin andfiddle steal the show. Julie Matthews’s contribution – Westward – is asong of hope and aspiration, chugging along nicely as Conway’s percussion setsa solid rhythm. There’s also a great finale with a cover of Bob Dylan’sSi Tu Dois Partir as they go with a bang.

Look out also for the hidden track – not listed.

Of all the changes that FC has gone through, the addition of Ric Sanders, someyears ago, has restored the previous fiddle escapades of Dave Swarbrick andtaken it a step further. Highly recommended.

More info atFairport Convention.com

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