MADDY PRIOR & JUNE TABOR/SILLY SISTERS CHR 1101 (-76) UK

One of the best LP:s from the UK seventies folk scene. It wasn't a big seller at the time, outrivaled by the more pop orientated up-tempo folk variations performed by bands as Fairport Convention or Maddy Prior's own Steeleye Span. The songs here are mainly traditional with some of the origins going back as far as medieval times. Crew is top notch, including Martin Carthy handeling the guitar, Nic Jones doing fiddle and Danny Thompson on bass. Co-produced by Prior and Robin Black (who also worked with Jethro Tull, Supertramp, Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper and Lou Reed among others). I have a special place in my soul for enchanting female vocals and here I get all I can take. Prior's bright powerful voice counterpointing with Tabor's darker timbre, sometimes taking turns and sometimes in harmony. You can hear they like the material and enjoy working together. It's positive, filled with joy and probably enough to give at least a few fanatic fans of the genre hard-ons. First US on Chrysalis with same number and cover (later on Takoma TAK 7077), also contemporary issues in Australia and Germany. Early CD on Shanachie (SH 79040). Premiere UK had label as shown here and matt cover with lyric insert. (BRYF*)(FÄV*)(SÖPX*) (JÖB*)