Customer Reviews

Cropredy Box

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Having managed to make it to Cropredy for Fairport's twenty-fifth anniversary reunion, i had hoped to make it over for this one as well... but it was not to be.

And, while my memories of that previous trip to Cropredy, when compared to the CD version (which is also worth having, to say the least) lead me to believe that this set is in no way a satisfactory substitute for Having Been There, still it is, withal, a fine and pleasing set of tunes and vocals, indeed.

There is not and never has been a band that can compare to Fairport in doing what they do -- which is the effortless blending of the most modern rock sensibilities with the most traditional of folk music and everything in between, as well, and this set confirms it yet again.

It is wonderful to hear essentially every still-living member of the band (save, i believe, Iain Campbell, who couldn't make it) getting up there on the stage and re-creating the various line-ups one after the other -- especially since there are no live recordings from some of the more interesting versions of the band, and this set does a little to fill that lack.

It's heart-warming, as well, to know that everyone there extended well-wishes to usual MC Danny Thompson (who was in hospital, but, i understand, recovered just fine), a fine fellow, excellent MC and outstanding bass player.

Every time i listen to this set, it reminds me that i have pledged to make it once more to Cropredy before all of us geezers die or get too old to perform...

((Also included is a phone recording of an April Fool joke Simon Nicol played on Dave Swarbrick many years ago. It's hilarious, but the little label that says "includes explicit Swarbrick" is a warning to be heeded -- this is definitely *not* something one could play on the radio without a little cleanup...))

Every August, Fairport Convention holds a festival in the small town of Cropredy, climaxed by a marathon concert during which all the present and former (and there have been many) members of Fairport take turns on stage, playing songs from their tenures with the group. This 3-CD set covers the 1997 festival, which marked the 30th anniversary of the band. Between songs, original bassist Ashley Hutchings provides a humorous running narrative on Fairport's long, strange history. The playing is excellent. All the facets of Fairport are included: the classic songs, the early Dylan covers, the souped-up traditional jigs and reels. Hutchings provides an updated take on Dylan's "Million Dollar Bash", while guitarist Dan Ar Braz, who was only with the band for a heartbeat in the 70s, contributes a fantastic version of the Beatles' "Rain". Original lead guitarist Richard Thompson is at his usual peak. The 3rd CD sags briefly because of weaker songs from the 90s lineup. The compilation includes entertaining between-song banter (when Dave Pegg says that fiddler Dave Swarbrick is now divorced and available, Swarb replies "I'm looking for ladies with Christian names beginning with A and R -- then I'll have the complete set") and a hilarious recording of an April Fools Day prank Simon Nicol once played on Swarb. As Nicol says in the liner notes, rather than correct mistakes, the original tapes are provided "warts and all", which includes guest singer Vikki Clayton accidentally leaving out the climactic verse in "Matty Groves."

The Croppedy Box set captures the live Fairport Convention in it's full splendor and propells this charming folk rock legacy into the new millenium with grace, dignity, humor, and whit. It's good to hear the great cast of present and past members, especially Swarb and Thompson cameos, in this terrific recording. I was mesmerized by Rober Plant's rendition of a Dylan classic in Fairport's last live box set. Say No More! This entire 3 CD box release is worth it not only for the classics but for one great new song - "Rain." My favorite weather condition has been contemporized and bathed in passion by Simon Nicol & Co. Yes, Nancy Covey, I hope to make myself a goer for the live offing before I wither.

Having managed to make it to Cropredy for Fairport's twenty-fifth anniversary reunion [1992], i had hoped to make it over for this one as well... but it was not to be.

And, while my memories of that previous trip to Cropredy, when compared to the CD version (The Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Concert, which is also worth having, {if you can find it} to say the least) lead me to believe that this set is in no way a satisfactory substitute for Having Been There, still it is, withal, a fine and pleasing set of tunes and vocals, indeed.

There is not and never has been a band that can compare to Fairport in doing what they do -- which is the effortless blending of the most modern rock sensibilities with the most traditional of folk music and everything in between, as well, and this set confirms it yet again.

It is wonderful to hear essentially every still-living member of the band (save, i believe, Iain Campbell, who couldn't make it) getting up there on the stage and re-creating the various line-ups one after the other -- especially since there are no live recordings from some of the more interesting versions of the band, and this set does a little to fill that lack.

It's heart-warming, as well, to know that everyone there extended well-wishes to usual MC Danny Thompson (who was in hospital, but, i understand, recovered just fine), a fine fellow, excellent MC and outstanding bass player.

Every time i listen to this set, it reminds me that i have pledged to make it at least once more to Cropredy before all of us geezers (on both sides of the mike) die or get too old to perform...

((Also included is a phone recording of an April Fool joke Simon Nicol played on Dave Swarbrick many years ago. It's hilarious, but the little label that says "includes explicit Swarbrick" is a warning to be heeded -- this is definitely *not* something one could play on even FM radio without a little cleanup...))

What an excellent CD collection. To hear past and present Fairport members playing together is great. The 'Warts and All' idea is perfect and really makes for a very listenable time. As someone who is two weeks away from my first Fairport show, this gives me a glimpse of what to expect and I can't wait. Cheers!