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From about nineteen sixty-eighth to seventy-eight, on this side of the Atlantic (U.S.), Joan Baez and Judy Collins pretty much had the ladies Folk scene wrapped up. Their equivalent, on the other side of the ocean, is Sandy Denny. She is, without argument, the definitive British Folk voice. And, as captured on The Best Of Sandy Denny, her voice is one of a kind: haunting, powerful, penetrating, ethereal and sophisticated (Did I miss any adjectives?). Baez and Collins are first rate writers and singers in their own right, but Denny's primary appeal is her ghostly link to Tradition English music. Close your eyes and dream of the days of kings, queens and chivalry - Sandy Denny will transport you to a mythological place centuries past.

Few fans of Sandy Denny will agree on which of her work is "the best," so `The Best Of Sandy Denny' is certain to contain minor disappointments for regular fans, but surely delight new converts. The album faithfully covers the essential periods of Denny's career including her solo work, and her recordings with the Fairport Convention and Fotheringay. The core musicians featured during these three periods are essentially the same, so `The Best Of Sandy Denny' doesn't sound like a haphazard compilation of tracks from seven albums, but has a comfortable musical continuity.

Without mincing words, the majesty and grace of `Listen, Listen,' `The Lady,' and `I'm A Dreamer' are unmatched in contemporary music. `It'll Take A Long Time' and `The Pond And The Stream' are bittersweet tales featuring heavenly guitar work. Throughout the album, the masterful guitar work of Richard Thompson, Jerry Donahue and Trevor Lucas is seductive. `Solo' is simply gorgeous and heartbreaking.

For her ability to transport the listener to a world far removed from the present, Sandy Denny has few equals. Grab of copy of `The Best Of Sandy Denny' and discover how she captured the hearts of British music lovers for a decade.

As another reviewer has stated, any anthology of Sandy Denny's music this concise can't cover her work. She represented and still represents the best of folk/pop/renaissance singers of her period, recording a catalog of breadth and depth unusual for such a short career.

Still, for a 1-CD set this covers many of the high points. These are certainly some of her most accessible recordings; "Listen, Listen" and "Tam Lin" are my favorites on this CD. They are beautifully remastered.

Fortunately for all of us, most of Ms. Denny's work has been transferred to CD, so this one might serve as a great introduction to her work for the uninitiated.

To those of us old enough to remember, this music can serve as a joyful bridge to our more innocent youth. Incidentally, the music samples can be heard by clicking on the full box set.

Sandy Denny has perhaps the most wonderfully emotive voice that I have ever heard. Her work as a singer and a songwriter are both woefully neglected. My main carp would be with the selection of tracks. I just don't understand why "Fotheringay" (from Fairport Convention's second album), "Genesis Hall" (from their third), "The Music Weaver" (from her second album), and "Blackwaterside" (from her first) could be left off of this collection!

I only recently caught up with Sandy Denny- Why it had taken so long I dont know.......

Her singing goes straight to the soul - deeply emotive and utterly timeless.

The thing I really love about Denny is that she sounds English , perhaps I am biased, but I feel that all the other female vocalists my county has to offer usually sing in a " mid Atlantic accent" - Perhaps its because Sandy came from an English Folk tradition rather than listening to J Joplin /G Slick /J Ian /J Mitchell and trying to copy them.

Do yourself a real favour if you buy this when you first listen - sit alone open a bottle of fine wine and ENJOY..

I'm so glad I finally found this one after reading some Eva Cassidy reviews that mentioned Sandy Denny. This CD contains a generous selection of recordings from many LP's, with seemingly little attempt at sequence or chronology. The quality of songwriting and performance is excellent on track after track. There are many (almost) buried treasures here that it is tough to single out a few... but I will: "Solo", "Listen Listen" and "I'm a dreamer". Definitely recommended for any lover of vocal talent and as an introduction to Sandy's brief career.

Sandy Denny was a very fine singer and songwriter. She recorded far too many songs for one CD, but there are no weak spots on this collection. Really an excellent disc.

Sandy Denny was the best British singer and song writer of her time. Janis Joplin, Jodi Mitchell, all the rest adored her talent. Please take the time to listen to her, you will not be disappointed.She died very suddenly at 31yrs, was linked by family to Linda Thompsom and wrote one very lasting song, 'Who knows where the time goes', which we all know. Sandy wrote this song at the age of 17 and it still remains a classic of her warmth and love for music and life. If you know the songs 'Listen, Listen' and 'I'm a dreamer' then you will know Sandy Denny well. It is a pity that so many people have either forgotten her or didn't know about her in the first place. Take a chance and buy or borrow 'Sandy Denny's Greatest Hits', you will not be disappointed.
All my love goes to Sandy, such a wonderful star.

Kenneth xxxxxx