Customer Reviews

Suits Me Well / Songs of Sandy Denny

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On the face of it, this is either an act of heroism or foolheartiness -- a tribute to a figure so iconic and universally lionized that following in her footsteps would seem to invite the sort derision that only the truest true believers can heap upon one another. But Vikki Clayton, who has filled in the "Sandy Denny role" at many a Fairport Convention concert, is entirely up to the task. She opens this album with Denny's signature tune, "Who Knows Where The Time Goes," in sort of a throwdown to any potential detractors, and as on several other songs, her rich, confident vocals and understated arrangements carry the day. There are a few iffy touches, mainly in the electric filters and effects added to the bass and guitar, but overall this is a pretty strong record. Clayton herself is quite lovely to listen to. Devoted Fairport fans, doubtless primed to be weigh in against this album, should really try to approach it with an open mind... it's pretty good.

A nice set from the British singer. The songs of Sandy Denny are criminally unknown and unheard (especially in the USA), and any project that gets them back into circulation deserves attention (in the Fall of 2001, Clayton stated her intention to record a second volume in this series). Clayton's voice is well-suited to the material, though any female vocalist ever born suffers from comparison with Denny. Clayton often sings Denny's parts at the annual Fairport Convention Cropredy Festival in England (and does a good job, as evidenced by the live recordings; as opposed to some other unfortunate vocal performances over the years at the festival--eg. June Tabor, Linda Thompson.....it seems that the idea of singing the late Sandy's parts in front of a festival crowd has caused some good singers to choke).