Customer Reviews

Rendezvous

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rendezvous is Sandy Denny's last album, and although it's somewhat uneven in quality, I think it's fitting that this should be her last. The mood is stately, solemn and the sadness she can voice so well has a darker hue than usual.

On side one, the best tracks are the jazzy "Gold Dust" and the beautiful "One way donkey ride". Side two is the strongest side I think, starting off with the gorgeous "I'm a dreamer", followed by the masterpiece on this album, which is "All our days". I would have bought the record for this track alone ! A great atmosphere and a fine arrangement with classical overtones - at long last no strings that make her work seem so honey-drippingly sweet as has happened so often, marring a lot of her solo work. The two closing songs are nice, but the album should have ended with "All our days".

I like to think that Sandy Denny said goodbye to us with "All our days". A fitting close to a fine career of a woman with a great and gentle voice that could really reach into a heart, and who had so many beautiful songs to offer.

Hans Wigman

When I heard Nanci Griffith Sing "Who Knows Where the Time Goes," on her Other Voices Too Album, I thought it was written by Judy Collins. But then I looked at the liner notes and saw that Sandy Denny really wrote it. Then I became curious about albums by Sandy Denny. A friend of mine loaned me her Vinyl copy of Rendevous. I loved it very much. I even copied it onto a blank tape before returning it. I now listen to it in the car sometimes. Sandy Denny passed away right after she made this album. I loved her version of Candle in the Wind, much better than that Cheesy Princess Diana version. It made me cry.

While the likes of Nick Drake are busy being re-discovered and elevated to genius status (Nick was good but he wasn't THAT good), Sandy Denny seems to languish in the wings somewhere - not as famous as she should be but not obscure enough to be hailed as a neglected genius. This is a tragedy as she is up there with Richard Thompson as the best songwriter produced by the British folk rock scene of the 60's/70's.

This album is her last and is, frankly, not her best. The album suffers from it's attempts to make her sound more "commercial" - as result it sounds far more dated than her earlier more folk-rock oriented albums. At times, the production (by husband Trevor Lucas) seems to be pushing her almost in the direction of Barbara Dickson, one fears a guest spot on the Two Ronnies may have been on the cards (apologies to any non-Brits among you who will have no idea what I'm on about!) Worst example of creeping MORism is the version of "Candle of the Wind" - now I'm old enough to remember when I thought this was a good song, so I can hardly blame Sandy for choosing to cover it, she can hardly have been expected to know the horrific use it would later be put to.

They're aren't really any BAD songs on this CD, just bad arrangements. There are two truly great songs: "No More Sad Refrains" and "I'm A Dreamer" (pity about the "soaring" guitar solo at the end tho) and one remarkable "piece" (one hesitates to call it a "song") "All Our Days". Featuring just Sandy and Orchestra, "All Our Days" is, to all intents and purposes, a purely classical piece - it would have been fascinating to hear Sandy do more in this vein but, sadly, it wasn't to be. The only comparable piece I can think of is David Ackles' "Montana Song", though Harry Robinson's orchestral arrangement is a bit straighter.

Finally, there's no doubt Sandy's voice had changed on this album - there's a mature lived-in quality about it, less fluidity than before but maybe even more character? Apparently her enormous intake of cigarettes was responsible!

All in all buy this CD 'cos it's Sandy Denny but make sure to buy all her other CD's too!

English folk singer Sandy Denny must be heard to be appreciated: her voice is delicate, affectionate and heavenly. Rendezvous is a departure from her efforts with the Fairport Convention: the album is rich with a full orchestra and a female choir (The Ladybirds). The combination of Denny's elegant vocals and a fine orchestra produces some haunting, romantic and majestic songs (I'm A Dreamer, All Our Days, No More Sad Refrains). `Full Moon' is a sensitive and moving love song - heartbreaking. The most energetic folk-rocker is `I Wish I Was A Fool For You.' Timi Donald's drum work is stunning. Richard Thompson fans will have an interesting time searching for his distinctive lead guitar work (I Wish I Was A Fool For You?) The first half of the CD is a bit hollow, but the second half glitters like gold. For those who adore Sandy's gentle and caressing voice, Rendezvous is especially touching. It is her last recording before injuries from a freak accident led to her death. The music world may have lost a gifted singer, but the allure of her voice remains.

This album DOES have a lot of production, & to some extent you
have to work through it. Those who just want Sandy of the '60's
Fairport years might never like it. But I do. There's some real adventure here. "Wish I Was a Fool for You" is one of her best
more folk rock vocals-- if I agree not superior to original. "Take Me Away" is kind of torchy folk rock a la Linda Ronstadt
at the time. Slowing down "Silver Threads" is charming IMO, & "Gold Dust" is an interesting near-jazz experiment. The strongest points though are the ballads, especially "I'm a Dreamer" & "Full Moon," certainly two of the greatest songs Sandy
ever wrote. Yes, I'd like to hear several of these without so
much production-- but in all still an extraordinary album, if yes
a considerable departure. Please rerelease this-- LIKE AN OLD FASHIONED WALTZ too!!!

Being a long time fan of Richard and Linda Thompson, and enjoying, too, Liege and Lief by Fairport Convention, I honestly tried to love that one .. but well, I really couldn't. I can't stand her voice, which (I think) lacks light & shade. I wish I was a fool for you is in fact a cover of the Thompson's for shame of doing wrong. I love the original version and couldn't get into this one - it's so weak. I like the song I am a dreamer and could sell my soul for the L. Thompson's cover version, but not for the Sandy Denny original one ! I have an idea that on the whole, Sandy Denny was a bit overrated - both her voice and music. If you like great folk voices, then I'd advise you go for Maddy Prior or Linda Thompson instead
But again, maybe I just don't get it. I'm sure many "folkies" will have a very different opinion !!