HARK! THE VILLAGE WAIT

Wonderful first album by this legendary band. It was formed by ex Fairport convention bassist Ashley Hutchings who wanted to explore more of the british folk roots than Fairport Convention was willing. He was fortunate enough to gather such a band of great musicians and singers, releasing the first of a long string of critical acclaimed albums. It was a pity that Hark! The Village Wait was the sole Steeleye Span album to feature both the talents of female singers Maddy Prior and Gay Woods. The Woods couple would be leaving the group soon after the completition of the recordings for this LP.

The sound is quite traditional, of course, but it does include some drumming provided by Dave mattacks (Fairport Convention) and Gary Conway (future member of Fotheringay and The Pentangle). The music is a sophisticated, very well played, reading of traditional english and irish tunes. And from the beginning Steeleye Span (the name came from the ballad Horkstow Grange, about an argument between John Bowlin and Jon Span, nicknamed steeleye) was a special band. The chemistry between band members was amazing for such a new outfit. Progressive? Yes! For they did put those traditional, simple, songs into a whole new light, with modern instruments and giving them new, bold structures. They would evolve into something more rockier in the future, but from the get go they were too advanced for the time to be labeled as just another folk essemble.

Hark! The Village Wait (Wait was a medieval town band) is still my favorite CD from this groundbreaking folk band. I´m really glad that they are now on PA at last. If you want to hear some great traditonal folk music with elaborate and tasteful arrangements (with some progressive leanings here and there) and beautiful vocals, then this is a must have.