Customer Reviews

Woman in the Wings

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

 

 

This Album is a must have for lovers of good folk music, as well as for classic Jethro Tull fans. Being a Tull fan myself, I've came to know of this album through it's extensive links to Tull - The album was produced by Ian Anderson, David Palmer of Jethro Tull, and Robin Black. It also features all the members of Jethro Tull of that time (minus John Evans) playing their instruments. It was recorded between Tull tours, as Prior was a friend of the band and sang backing vocals on some Tull records.

Prior has a special and rare gift of a voice, which may put her in the same category as other, no less talented folk singers. But a quick glance at the album proves that this is no regular folk album, consisting of new renditions to old and loved folk songs - all the truly great songs on this album are new ones, all written by Prior herself. One may wnder, after listening to this album, which so successfully incorporates Rock influences with familiar folkish songs, why Maddy Prior isn't a more recognized name, but the answers to this question are not to be found in this record.

If you consider yourself a folk lover or a Tull fan, buy this album now, and prepare for many hours of pleasure, enjoying Maddy Prior's warm voice.

There are many good songs on this album, and they all pretty much differ from each other greatly. Although, the sound of this album doesn't always fit with what most people would probably think Maddy Prior working with Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull would be.

There seems to be less things settled musically in this album, like perhaps the musicians were not completely in their element, working in awkward conditions, or maybe that's just me.

Nevertheless this is an extremely enjoyable album. Prior's songwriting abilities shine very bright. I bought this for my girlfriend a while back for her birthday, and she really did enjoy it. So it definitely did it's job.

Thanks Maddy!

Maddy has held my heart ever since I first heard Steeleye Span some 30 years ago, when I was in my mid-teens. When she released this solo album several years ago, I was stoked. The fact that there were JT members aboard was a plus, but Maddy didn't need them to make this album great. Her song writing, her lilting voice just send me.

Admittedly, this pop-oriented album has some of Prior's more embarassing moments on it (at least as seen through a traditionalist filter...) Many of the instrumental flourishes go way overboard, ranging from Spinal Tappish electric guitars to an overly-eager flute, and ne'er has Maddy sounded more like Judy Collins. Still, there are some lovely tunes on here, such as "Gutter Geese," and if you are willing to forgive Prior and producer Ian Anderson their various synthy and proggy foibles, this disc certainly has its charms.

Do not be deceived. There is little of Ian Anderson on this disc. He produced a couple of cuts and is credited for playing the flute on one, the standout cut on the disc, Gutter Goose. Martin Barre plays guitar, also on one cut, the mediocre Cold Flame. Yes Barriemore Barlow plays drums on 7 of the 11 tracks but is so restrained (with the exception of the flute solo on Gutter Geese) that his presence seems wasted. John Glascock plays on 4 cuts but also seems to be under-utilized. The problem lies in both Prior's compositions (weak) and the talent of the remaining musicians-they come across as second rate studio musicians. Stick with Prior's work with Steeleye Span in the seventies. She is at her best interpreting English folk songs to the energy of Steeleye Span of that period. Gutter Geese aside, this one's just not very good..Simon