TIM HART & MADDY PRIOR/SUMMER SOLSTICE CAS 1035 (-71) UK

 A follow-up to the duo's 1968 "Folk Songs Of Olde England" Vol.1 and Vol.2 albums, recorded after they'd joined Steeleye Span and issued about the same time as the band's "Ten Man Mop..." LP - https://monolover.blogspot.com/2014/11/steeleye-spanten-man-mop-or-mr.html . Far from the folky rock that would lead to further fame and bigger sales later on, this is a lot softer with sparse or non backing to the voices. "Dancing At Whitsun" comes with string arrangements by Robert Kirby (who also has worked with Nick Drake, Elton John, Strawbs and Elvis Costello among others), but the rest sounds close to traditional. I had a change of mind on British folk some time ago. Earlier I almost always went for the rock interprets, carried by sturdy drums and bass, though now I can feel a lot more at home with these sparser and softer versions. As arranged and performed here they offer calm and comfort to a ragged soul and put me in a state of mind where I can almost forget the ugly present. Whole album below for your pleasure. Also originally issued on vinyl in Holland and Downunder. US 1984 LP (79046) and cassette (5SHAN-79046) on Sanachie. Japan 2006 remastered CD in paper sleeve on Strange Days Records (POCE 1017). UK 1976 repress on Mooncrest (Crest 12). Premiere UK had label as shown here in a glossy fold/out cover.  (FÄV*)  (BRYF*) (FÄHZ*)