Fairport Convention Liege & Lief (Vinyl)

While adhering to their beloved folk tradition, Fairport Convention, on 1969’s Liege & Lief, employed contemporary blues rock influences reminiscent of Dylans mid-1960s electric work.

Throughout the album, Dave Swarbricks string arrangements flavour Sandy Dennys assertive lyrical deliveries while Richard Thompsons lead guitar lines intertwine with drummer Dave Mattacks propulsive beat.

Perhaps the albums most memorable moment is Matty Groves, an update on a traditional folk narrative from Northern England. The eight-minute epic tells a tale dating back to at least 1613, wherein a noblewoman enters into an affair with Matty Groves. The situation turns sour when the noblewomans husband discovers the adultery and murders both.

Besides the traditional renditions, the band also presented three original compositions, Come All Ye, Farewell, Farewell and Crazy Man Michael, using a similar formula.

Adding the final piece to the puzzle of historical homage, Swarbrick arranged a four-part medley based on traditional pieces consisting of The Lark in the Morning, Rakish Paddy, Foxhunters Jig and Toss the Feathers, all adding a taste of rural ancestry to the mix.

Liege & Lief was fundamental in establishing the UK folk rock genre, which lasted well into the ’70’s.

Vinyl, LP, Reissue, Gatefold

Tracklist:
A1 Come All Ye
A2 Reynardine
A3 Matty Groves
A4 Farewell, Farewell
B1 The Deserter
Medley
B2.1 The Lark in The Morning
B2.2 Rakish Paddy
B2.3 Foxhunters Jig
B2.4 Toss The Feathers
B3 Tam Lin
B4 Crazy Man Michael