at a glance...

Hometown: Byfield, Northamptonshire, England
First Recordings: 1967

Personnel:
Sandy Denny -vocals
Trevor Lucas, Jerry Donahue, Rob Hendry -guitars
Pete Wilsher -steel guitar
Dave Mattacks -drums
Pat Donaldson -bass
Trevor Lucas, Pat Donaldson, Simon Nicol, Chris Leslie -backing vocals

Related Artists :
Fotheringay, Fairport Convention, Nick Drake, Richard Thompson

It is both tragic and ironical that this November, 1977 concert from Sandy Denny's comeback solo tour (her first after leaving Fairport Convention for the second time a year earlier) was her final performance ever; it captures her at the top of her game. Her gorgeous voice had been weathered by years of chain-smoking and experience into a more subtle, seasoned instrument than the soprano that graced classic early records like Unhalfbricking and Liege And Lief, and the supportive band of long-time musical fellow travellers keep her singing in the spotlight.

Steel guitarist Pete Wilsher lends an apropos c&w tinge to the disc's graceful, moody ballads and stark rock songs. The song selection focuses on her 70s work, including darkly dreamy renditions of Fotheringay's "The Sea" and a regal transformation of Richard and Linda Thompson's "I Wish I Was A Fool For You Again," but also includes her early hit "Who Knows Where The Time Goes."

Some post-production repairs on the guitar and backing vocal tracks aren't too intrusive. This isn't the best place to start learning about Denny's work, but if you love her music it's an essential addition to your collection.