Elly Roberts reviews
Fairport Convention
Over The Next Hill
Distributed 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
The Fairport Convention road seems to go on forever.
Since 1967, it has been one of Britain’s greatest musical institutions. With
several line-ups and a couple of break-ups, the current crop of musicians have
held the FC flag very much aloft. More than ever, they are one of the few
shining lights in the murky waters of popular music. Electric-folkies they may
be, 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 their
latest studio work. One music critic said that this is their best offering in
25 years. I don’t know if I’d go that far, but once again this is an excellent
11-track collection.
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-out
detected. It’s bright and breezy from track one, which sets the tone for the
remaining ten songs. Forever touring and recording, the current line-up of
Ric Sanders, Chris Leslie, Gerry Conway, Dave Pegg and Simon Nicol being their
most consistent, and arguably their best.
A punchy start with the title track, it features the sublime fiddle work of
Ric Sanders. Weak vocals by Nicol let it down. Chris Leslie’s enters next,
with the beautiful I’m Already There, as his lightweight singing
interweaves delicately alongside Sanders’ high-octane solos. It must be stated
here and now Sanders’ is possibly the most gifted fiddle player in the world
right now, with this album showcasing his talents. He also brings us the
playful and jaunty five minute instrumental Canny Capers, juxtaposed
by the melancholic and dramatic Some Special Place.
Uplifting pop-rocker, Ben Bennion’s Waiting For The Tide To Come In sets
the feet tapping, which would make a great BBC Radio 2 song (come on, Terry
Wogan).
Leslie reappears with two further outstanding tracks - Over The Hills and
The 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, he
died in 1810, leaving the family on ‘poor relief ‘ as Mary supported them by
finding fossils. Beautifully written and very touching.
Traditional input comes with a predictably delightful cover of the standard
The Wassail Song, as Leslie and Sanders’ counterplay of mandolin and
fiddle steal the show. Julie Matthews’s contribution – Westward – is a
song of hope and aspiration, chugging along nicely as Conway’s percussion sets
a solid rhythm. There’s also a great finale with a cover of Bob Dylan’s
Si 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, some
years ago, has restored the previous fiddle escapades of Dave Swarbrick and
taken it a step further. Highly recommended.
More info at
Fairport Convention.com
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.