DODSON AND FOGG

The founder/composer and songwriter of the band is Mr. Chris Wade, that he might be the new troubadour of the English Folk-Rock scene. His main idea (as far as it seems at least) was to revive the Folk-Rock sound and style of the '70's. And I have to admit he does it very well! In order to do that, he gathered around him some very good musicians, and some of the "heavy" names of the '70's, such as: Celia Humphris on vocals (of the 'Trees') Judy Dyble on vocals (of 'Fairport Convention') Nik Turner on flute (of 'Hawkwind')

With members like those, you got an advantage at hand from the start, don't you agree? Dodson and Fogg released their first 2 albums within a period of 6 months! Their debut album was called after their name, and the second one named 'Derring Do' was released a few months later. (On the second album there has been a change in the members, with Alison O' Donnell (of 'Mellow Candle') replacing Judy Dyble).

The band's music is mellow and melodic Folk Rock, with a rather plain sound, based mostly on string and wind instruments. (acoustic guitar, violin, cello, flute, etc). For the ones that are familiar with this kind of music, I could say that they remind me of Donovan somehow. Their sound is rather melancholic, that takes you back in the 70's. It is the kind of music that sounds better next to a fireplace, with a glass of red wine in your hand, while the rain is hitting the windows...

Best tracks in my opinion: All Day Long, Nothing at All, Endless Sky. My rating: 3.5 stars

While Wade's lyrics are still whimsically reflective, his tempos tend to be overly downshifted, which can feel a tad oppressive over the course of the disk. "Flying High", "The Leaves they Fall", and "Time" all eschew vibrancy in energy and melody, which reminds us their style has been plied over and over, and better, before. In contrast, "Why Not Take Your Time" lays the atmosphere on thick, emerges from its funk in spite of itself, and is a superb closer. "Too Bright" is vivacious acoustic blues, "Dreams of You and Me" floats above harpsichord like keys and flutes to deliver one of the more purely prog moments, and "Like it was Yesterday" merges spooky vocals with spirited guitars and synths. "Everyone Knows" is a more driving piece with fascinating contrasts which also includes a superb searing lead guitar solo.

"Derring Do" is a second good, but not great, album in as many tries by DODSON and FOGG. I continue to hope for more but will also not pass up any opportunities to appreciate what they have to offer.

While DODSON and FOGG casts a few direct nods to PINK FLOYD's acoustic oriented diversions, such as the haunting "Weather Changes" (think a more concise "Hey You", with a searing fuzzy guitar solo), this has more in common with late 1960s and early 1970s psychedelic folk. I think the most accurate point of comparisons would be FUCHSIA ("Just You and Me" and "Footprints", and "Where on Earth") and ALAN HULL's solo work ("Nothing at All"). While we can hear the influences of NICK DRAKE, early STRAWBS, FOREST, and even the pastoral side of KING CRIMSON, this is not all retro - Wade is subtly establishing his own identity in "All Day Long" and "Crinkle Drive", with his strumming and picking overdubs, hypnotically soothing voice, and his lead guitars that seem wisely calibrated at pH 4, just right for the style.

As is often the case on first efforts by unproven artists, the statement is clear and the songs are good but they just don't quite attain the next level demanded by the ever more jaded. Given the potential for future development and the imminent release of a second album, this act might emerge from the fogg sooner rather than later.