Fotheringay
Fotheringay 2 - Fledg'ling 2008 (70-71)
Tracks:1. John The Gun / 2. Eppie Moray / 3. Wild Mountain Thyme / 4. Knights Of The Road / 5. Late November / 6. Restless / 7. Gypsy Davey / 8. I Don't Believe You / 9. Silver Threads And Golden Needles / 10. Bold Jack Donahue / 11. Two Weeks Last Summer
Comments:
Fotheringay was a shortlived band that Sandy Denny formed after her departure from Fairport Convention. They released a quite solid first album in 1970 with great Denny originals such as “Nothing More”, “The Sea”, “Winter Winds” and “The Pond and the Stream”. The band was very competent with upcoming musicians Gerry Conway on drums, Jerry Donahue on guitar, Pat Donaldson on bass and her future husband, Trevor Lucas on acoustic guitar and vocals.
Lucas sang lead on four songs, and he did have a distinctive deep and strong voice, which he later showcased on Fairport Convention album such as “Rosie”, “Nine” and “Rising For the Moon”. Some may feel it’s a shame that he takes too much space and leaves less room for Sandy Denny herself.
The album was relatively well received and the band started recording a second album soon after the release of the debut. This album was originally shelved as Denny was persuaded to pursue a solo career. So in 1971 Denny released her debut “The North Star Grassman and the Ravens”, which was one of my very first albums and which is still a favourite. On this album she is supported by Fotheringay and not least by former Fairport bandmate, Richard Thompson.
Some of these songs, like “John the Gun” and “Late November” had already been recorded by Fotheringay for the planned second album, but though not very different the ones on “The North Star Grassman and the Ravens” they are new recordings.
Fortunately guitarist Jerry Donahue thought it a big shame that these Fotheringay recordings should remain unreleased and by 2008 he had finished them up made ready for release. And he has done a very good job, with everything sounding clear and crisp and it comes out easily as good as the debut. I believe most songs must have been more or less finished.
Highlights, of course, are Denny’s songs “John the Gun” and “Late November”, which are both a bit longer than the later versions; the first features a tasty saxophone played by Sam Donahue. Sandy also has great lead vocals on the traditional “Gypsy Davey” and her interpretation of Jack Rhodes and Dick Reynolds’ “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” is simply heartbreaking. She makes it sound like a Denny song. She also gives nice subdued versions of “Wild Mountain Thyme” and David Cousins’ “Two Weeks Last Summer”, while she duet with Lucas on “Eppie Moray”.
Lucas has lead vocals on his two originals “Knights on the Road” (Later re-recorded for “Rosie”) and “Restless” as well as Bob Dylan’s “I Don’t Believe You” and the album’s longest track, the traditional “Black Jack Donahue”. Again he’s a competent singer, but his songs do not really match Denny’s. The playing and production throughout is simply great. Well done and thanks Jerry Donahue!
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