Fairport Convention - The 25th Anniversary Concert

The chaps and their buddies on fine form

Along with Fairport’s new album, Sense Of Occasion, and the BBC sessions set, this welcome reissue is making 2007 a vintage year for FC fans. This double set from the 25th anniversary of the Cropredy festival has never had a full release until now. It was previously available through the group’s own sales, and while it contains several crowd pleasing favourites, the interest here is in some of the lesser known inclusions and stunning guest performances.

Simon Nicol is in good voice on Close To The Wind and Insult To Injury, and the whole band shine on Red & Gold, the tale of the Civil War battle at Cropredy itself. Guest-wise we have a treat: Robert Plant sings Dylan’s Girl From The North Country, Ralph McTell leads Polly On The Shore, and Richard Thompson shines superbly on seven tracks, with stand-out work on The Deserter. He also leads the vocals on Poor Will & The Jolly Hangman in most assured form.

This concert represents the longest-standing Fairport line-up of the 80s/90s, and as such includes keyboards prominently in some places. Added to the frequent addition of Dave Swarbrick and Chris Leslie, it amounts to quality in every department.

Talking Elephant | TECD 107 (2-CD)

Reviewed by Kingsley Abbott
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