Folk & Country > D Folk & Country > Singer/Songwriter > pre 1970

Advantages: Vocals, Lyrics, Sound, perfection on a disk
Disadvantages: None for those with out taste

When we talk about the greats of music through the 60's and 70's we seem to be bogged down with mentions of bands like The Who, The Beatles and ABBA amongst others. Now whilst they all have their place in peoples memory's (yes sadly ABBA are in my memory), an understated young man is missed from most mentions, and yet is argueably the most talented musician of the time. That man is George Best *gets tapped on the shoulder and told I'm doing a CD ...
...you may ask yourself, is Nick Drake, sadly too many people are asking themselves this. Well Nick Drake was was what you could call the epitome of British folk music. This debut album of Drakes, released originally in 1969 (though I can't find the CD re-release date), has been ranked according to wikipedia as: "Five Leaves Left was ranked 85th in a 2005 survey held by British television's Channel 4 to determine the 100 greatest albums of all time. ... Read review

Advantages: Groundbreaking Recording, Charming Angelic Voice
Disadvantages: Not used to Celtic Melodies

...to track --- 1. Somebody (3:41) ~~ 5/5 A great opening with the airy instrumental chords, then Dover's pure and clear voice caught my attention immediately. It is an Irish or Scottish song in 18th Century. I like the melodies. 2. The Baron O' Brackley (6:15) ~~ 4/5 The melody is strange to me, but the rhythm & sound of the pipe solo is delightful to me. 3. On Castle Rock (4:50) ~~ 3/5 A pure instrumental piece, the pipe is leading the melody. ...
...Another strange melody, but Dover's angelic voice makes me to close up my eye to feel it. 5. Jack of Diamonds (4:20) ~~ 5/5 This track I like it more! The lively tuned of the rhythm is more familiar to me, is a song of America comes from Southern Missouri. 6. Cantus (6:16) ~~ 5/5 The language of this track is mixed in English and Irish (?), is a 14th century Irish monastic tradition. I like it so much although I can't really understand what she ... Read review

Advantages: Highly original and relaxing acoustic guitar songs, superbly played
Disadvantages: Inferior bonus tracks might interfere with the mood of the album for some.

John Martyn was a very talented British singer/songwiter/musician, who attracted a strong interest and following during the 1970s (less so in the '80s),.But he enjoyed little commercial recognition, despite his best albums selling steadily over the years. Although Martyn started out as a folk artist in the late 1960s, by the time of this release, jazz and blues influences had crept into his repertoire. By the '80s, Martyn's studio albums had ...
...but not some might say, for the better. Bless The Weather, released in 1971 is John Martyn's fifth album, and arguably his best. It originally included ten tracks, nine songs plus one superb instrumental jam. What the original album managed to achieve is the near perfect blend of contemporary folk and jazz. And with John's expressive vocals, he hardly puts a foot wrong here. The CD's photograph cover hints at the atmosphere of the whole album, ... Read review

Advantages: Every track draws you in fantastically
Disadvantages: None

Rob's finest solo album sees him return to his roots. The master of the resophonic guitar, backed up at various times by his band mates from bluegrass supergroup Blue Highway offers some of the best music ever recorded on the dobro. The album is mainly an instrumental one with only the first track of the CD having vocals, that being a rip roaring version of Machine Gun Kelly. Sweet and soulful sounds can be found throughout, and Rob's dobro/bass ...
...Am A Pilgrim" is truly a treat for the ears. Of course no bluegrass CD would be complete without the obligatory fiddle tune, and on this album these include Fiddler's Dream and a fast paced, fun, hard driving rendition of Lost Indian. All in all a fantastic album for any bluegrass fan, especially so for other resophonic guitarists who can learn a great deal from Rob's playing. ... Read review

Advantages: 16 enjoyable songs
Disadvantages: No weak songs

I originally picked this up at a car boot sale 'cos I like country music and, boy, am I glad I found it! It is one of those CDs which you can play and enjoy every track - without skipping those tracks which you eventually can't stand!! Well, none of that here. The lyrics are great - personally I love "Highway Robbery" and "If Your Heart Ain't Busy Tonight", with "Take Another Run" coming a close third - but all the other tracks (sixteen in all) ... Read review