The North Star Grassman - SANDY DENNY****

Late November/Blackwaterside/The Sea Captain/Down In The Flood/John The Gun/Next Time Around/The Optimist/Let's Jump The Broomstick/Wretched Wilbur/The North Star Grassman & The Ravens/Crazy Lady Blues

North Star Grassman was the debut album from the former Fairport Convention and Fotheringay vocalist Sandy Denny. It is considered to be more pop orientated than her folk group work. (UK:31)

“Sandy Denny released her first solo album after establishing a formidable reputation with Fairport Convention. The North Star Grassman offers a broader musical range than her Fairport albums, with material ranging from the traditional-sounding to the poppy to the progressive. It's held together by her vocals and excellent songwriting.”

“Some tracks are distinctly pop driven, and show Sandy in a different, albeit less flattering vein. But most of the others present her exquisite voice in the kind of framing that makes her just shine.”

“This album is considered to be one of the greatest folk-rock recordings of all times. The vast majority of the material comprises original songs written by Denny, beautifully performed by her and a superb band.”

“Most of Sandy Denny's songs tend to have the same basic sound, stately, haunting, almost dirge-like, but it's a really nice sound, especially when backed by much of Fairport Convention.”

“Most are Denny originals, and they're mostly dark and serious folk songs, occasionally with a sorrowful string backing, but above all else they're just good songs. Usually they're built around piano chords or acoustic guitar strums, but the chord changes aren't always the obvious ones.”

“Sandy Denny's first solo album continues her evolution from folk singer to fullfledged singer-songwriter. She has obviously matured as both singer and songwriter since her work with Fairport Convention, and the songs are more consistent than those on the Fotheringay album which preceded this.”

“Sandy Denny was without a doubt one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, but her writing set her apart. This album is one of the best in the writing department. There is a simplicity in the arrangements that makes sure they don't conflict with the words. The title song is awesome; the rest is classic Denny. I can't recommend this enough to anyone who has any kind of interest in English folk-rock.”