Children Of The Sun – SALLYANGIE***

Strangers/Lady Mary/Children Of The Sun/A Lover For All Seasons/River Song/Banquet On The Water/ Balloons/Midsummer Night’s Happening/Love In Ice Crystals/Changing Colours/Chameleon/Milk Bottle/The Murder Of The Children Of San Francisco/Strangers

Children Of The Sun was the sole album release from the British brother and sister folk duo Sallyangie. It features Sally Oldfield on vocals, backed up by Mike Oldfield on flute and guitar who, in the seventies, would achieve global acclaim for his innovative Tubular Bells album.

“The first recording for Sally, but especially, Mike Oldfield. If you like genuine folk style don't be afraid to listen to this somewhat naive offering. We are in 1968 and Mike is just 15-16 years old.”

“There seems to be very few musicians nowadays capable of writing even what remotely resembles a melody, let alone an original song. Here is an amazing example of the creative power of olden days. This album is full of youthful creative energy and nature inspired melodies. Some of them, mesmerizing and enchanting, some others verging on the surreal. Sally Oldfield's versatile pure toned vocal, beautifully resonating with her then 15 year old brother's gentle voice, stunning flute and guitar accompaniment.”

“Yes, it would never be made today, and yes it is somewhat twee, but for students of the English folk explosion of the late 60s, it has a certain period charm. The overriding influence would appear to be The Incredible String Band seen through younger eyes, without perhaps the acid influences.”

“Musically, it's just fine and it's nice to see Mike Oldfield on guitar plucking form. Don't expect anything like Oldfield's own work, this is in a league of its own but that's not necessarily a positive statement. Folksy and dreamy, it will while away an hour but might make you want to dive for Tubular Bells after it's done.”

“Often cited flower power release features dueting male/female performers creating contrasting vocal patterns over softly strummed, acoustic guitar. Besides somewhat dated production, Sallyangie suffers from overdone singing, particularly with the toohigh female pitch which sometimes comes across as unintentionally humorous. Despite its flaws this is still an intriguing piece of late 60s folk that deviates enough from standard patterns to stick out.”