Fotheringay

Country of origin:

England

Type of music generally:

folk/rock, some traditional and contemporary folk

Status:

Only release, Fotheringay, 1970.

See also:

Sandy Denny web site

Ectophiles' Guide entries for Sandy Denny and other bands Sandy Denny was part of, Fairport Convention and Sandy Denny & The Strawbs

Comparisons:

Fairport Convention, early 70s folk/rock artists like Gordon Lightfoot, electric traditional groups like Steeleye Span

Covers/own material:

Own & covers

General comments:

Fotheringay is Sandy Denny's band, though her husband, Trevor Lucas, also strongly influenced the band's sound. The compositions are mostly Sandy's and the sound is mostly hers. Her voice is exquisite here. The overall sound is very '70s folk/rock: rocking folk tunes, and lyrical ballads, with strong musicianship and of course Sandy Denny's remarkable voice. (Neile)

Recommended first album:

Fotheringay

Recordings:

Fotheringay

Fotheringay

Release info:

1970--Island; re-released Ryko--4426

Availability:

Wide in the U.S. and U.K.

Ecto priority:

Highly recommended for fans of Sandy Denny, Fairport Convention, and/or folk/rock

Group members:

Sandy Denny--vocals, piano, guitar
Trevor Lucas--vocals, guitar
Jerry Donahue--lead guitar, backing vocals
Gerry Conway--drums, backing vocals
Pat Donaldson--bass, backing vocals

Guest artists:

Linda Peters [Thompson]--backing vocals
Tod Lloyd--backing vocals

Produced by:

Joe Boyd

Comments:

A lovely collection mostly of Sandy Denny's compositions but with two traditional tunes ("Banks of The Nile" and "Gypsy Davey"), and a few great covers (of Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, and Dave Cousins). A classic moment in British folk/rock and also delightful listening--the rocking tunes are fun, and the ballads are powerful, lyrical, affective. "Banks of The Nile" is particularly stunning. (Neile)

Further info:

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