The Man with a Rhyme

Archie Fisher

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 26, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 1976
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Folk Legacy
• ASIN: B000008U5S
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #100,853 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Review
Finally, the long delayed CD reissue of Archie Fisher's seminal late-70s release, The Man With a Rhyme. Arguably Fisher's finest album ever, it certainly contains some of his most beloved renditions of traditional material, including The Wounded Whale and Western Island, as well as his own stark and spooky Witch of the West-mer-lands and the lovely Dark Eyed Molly. Long-time concert favorites such as The Echo Mocks the Corncrake, Welcome Royal Charlie, and Jock Stewart also make their debut.

Fisher's smooth, silky voice was at its best, and he was backed by a formidable and sensitive list of musicians, including Lorraine Lee, Ann Mayo Muir, Lani Herrmann, Kathy Westra, and Wendy Grossman.

The CD version adds the haunting and lovely Helen of Kirkconnell Lea, culled from the original recording sessions. The sound has been beautifully remastered and polished to a fine sonic sheen, and the original (and extensive) liner notes and lyrics have been faithfully reproduced. --LBo, Dirty Linen #73, Dec '97/Jan '98

Product Description
Archie Fisher exemplifies all that is good about the folksong revival. His deep respect for the older musical traditions of his native Scotland enables him to approach them creatively; his understanding of those traditions is such that he has been able to compose a new ballad (The Witch of the West-mer-lands) that could easily assume a place among the classic ballads compiled by Francis James Child during the latter part of the last century.

A superbly inventive guitarist, Archie's accompaniments are always appropriate to the song: never distorting it, never overwhelming it. Whether it be a rich underscoring of the original air or an exquisite counter-melody reflecting and complementing it, there is a satisfying sense of rightness in all of Archie's arrangements.

His singing can be warm and tender - gentle, without sacrificing the strength that has sustained the tradition for so many centuries. Archie is a sophisticated person, yet he is able to approach the sentimental without self-consciousness. One is always reluctant to use the rather indefinable term charisma, but there is a quality about this (then) young man that invites such a description. Perhaps it is a combination of the kind of sensitivity that creates in him an unusual empathy, lending depth to his artistry, and a rare measure of native Celtic charm. Whatever it is, it is certain that you will sense it, too, as you listen to this, his first American recording.

In 2008 Archie Fisher was made an MBE for his services to traditional Scottish music. He has been described as one of the most influential artists of his time. As well as a series of folk albums he has presented BBC Radio Scotland's awarding-winning Travelling Folk programme for 25 years.

Mr Fisher said he was delighted to get the same honour as previously given to other famous Scots musicians.

"I looked at some other fellows who had an MBE, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and I thought I'd love to be a part of that outfit," he said. "So I'm on equal terms when it comes to honours. I've been doing this for a long time so it has been more of an endurance than choosing a highlight."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have for Celtic Fans, July 31, 2001

By	T. Burke (OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Man with a Rhyme (Audio Cassette)

Two albums released in the 70s really established Archie Fisher as an outstanding singer-songwriter as well as an unusually talented interpreter of traditional song. This is the better of the two: better songs, better accompaniment and better production. Although he has put out some fine material later in life, you owe yourself the treat of hearing this performer in his prime -- warm vocals, beautiful guitar work, and so steeped in the tradition that you'll be hard pressed to distinguish the Fisher originals from the traditional ballads.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Scottish folk songs!, February 7, 2009

By	Ila Willerton (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This CD didn't disappoint. Lots of traditional tunes performed well (if simply) and a few newer, but still excellent, ones as well. Like Fisher's other work, the tunes will stick with you and grow on you the more you listen!

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another gem from Archie Fisher, September 13, 2002

By A Customer

Another fine addition to my folk music collection. If you haven't heard Archie yet, you are missing out on one of the best voices in folk music...