B

Denny, Sandy

Band members Related acts

- John Bundrick - keyboards (1972)
- Gerry Conway - drums (1971)
- Sandy Denny (RIP 1978) - vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Tim Donald - drums (1972)
- Pat Donaldson - bass (1971-)
- Jerry Donahue - guitar (1971-)
- Barry Dransfield - violin (1971)
- Buddy Emmons - pedal steel guitar (1971)
- Pete Kleinnow - pedal steel guitar (1972)
- Trevor Lucas - guitar (1971-)
- Linda Peters - backing vocals
- Roger Powell - drums (1971)
- Tony Reeves - bass (1971)
- Dave Swarbeck - violin (1972)
- Richard Thompson - guitar (1971-)
- Ian Whiteman - keyboards (1971)

- Fairport Connection
- Fortheringay
- The Strawbs

Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: Sandy Company: A&M Catalog: SP-4317 Year: 1971 Grade (cover/record): VG/VG Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear Available: 1 Price: $20.00	In spite of widespread critical acclaim, the late Sandy Denny remains best known for her efforts with English folk-rockers Fairport Convention and The Strawbs (see separate entries). In spite of rave reviews and an extensive solo catalog, in the wake of her untimely death, the talented Denny remains virtually unknown to most Americans. How many metal heads know she contributed the female vocals to Led Zepplin's "The Battle of Evermore"?. Following a one-shot effort with the criminally overlooked Fotheringay (see separate entry), Denny embarked on a true solo career with the release of 1971's "North Star Grassman and the Ravens". Co-produced by Denny, former Fairport compatriot Richard Thompson (who also provided sterling guitar throughout) and John Wood, the results were well worth hearing. Highlighting Denny's sweet, troubled voice, material such as "Blackwaterside", a cover of Dylan's "Down In the Flood" and "John the Gun" bore more than a passing resemblance to her Fairport catalog. Full of dark, mid tempo tales of pain and unhappiness, the set was bound to appeal to Fairport fans, though "Let's Jump the Broomstick" and several other tracks benefited from a looser and more rock-oriented sound (thanks again to Thompson's blazing strings). Mind you, nobody was going to mistake Denny for Fanny ... "North Star Grassman and the Ravens" track listing: 1.) Late November (Sandy Denny) - 4:25 2.) Blackwaterside (traditional arranged by Sandy Denny) - 4:07 3.) The Sea Captain (Sandy Denny) - 3:07 4.) Down In the Flood (Bob Dylan) - 3:17 5.) John the Gun (Sandy Denny) - 4:35 6.) Next Time Around (Sandy Denny) - 4:20 7.) The Optimist (Sandy Denny) - 3:21 8.) Let's Jump the Broomstick (Charles Robins) - 2:40 9.) Wretched Wilbur (Sandy Denny) - 2:34 10.) The North Star Grassman and the Ravens (Sandy Denny) - 3:25 11.) Crazy Lady Blues (Sandy Denny) - 3:21

Rating: **** (4 stars) Title: Sandy Company: A&M Catalog: SP-4371 Year: 1972 Grade (cover/record): VG-/VG Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear; minor warping at bottom; gatefold sleeve Available: 2 Price: $20.00	Produced by Lucas (Fairport alumnus Dave Swarbuck and Richard Thompson playing on the set), 1972's "Sandy" stood as an excellent introduction to Denny's solo efforts. Showcasing mostly original material (there were two covers), the set highlighting Denny's sweet, yet achingly sad voice. Exemplified by material such as "It'll Take a Long Time" (showcasing a wonderful Thompson solo), the haunting "Sweet Rosemary" and "Listen Listen" most of the set remained true to her folk-rock roots. Among the few exceptions were some interesting if atypical brass arrangements courtesy of Allen Toussaint ("For Nobody To Hear"). Elsewhere, one of the clear highlights was a nifty cover of Dylan's obscure "Tomorrow Is a Long Time" (recall Fairport frequently covered odd Dylan tunes). Unfortunately, while it received wide critical praise, the collection failed to sell in the States. David Bailey's cover photo is stunning - simply the prettiest picture of Denny we've ever seen. (The album was originally released with a gatefold sleeve.) "Sandy" track listing: 1.) It'll Take a Long Time (Sandy Denny) - 2.) Sweet Rosemary (Sandy Denny) - 3.) For Nobody To Hear (Sandy Denny) - 4.) Tomorrow Is a Long Time (Bob Dylan) - 5.) Quiet Joys of Brotherhood (Richard Farina) - 6.) Listen, Listen (Sandy Denny) - 7.) The Lady (Sandy Denny) - 8.) Bushes & Briars (Sandy Denny) - 9.) It Suits Me Well (Sandy Denny) - 10.) The Music Weaver (Sandy Denny) -

Rating: ** (2 stars) Title: Rendezvous Company: Island Catalog: ILPS 9433 Year: 1977 Grade (cover/record): VG/VG Comments: UK issue; minor edge and corner wear Available: 1 Price: $15.00	After a two year hiatus Denny returned with 1977's "Rendezvous". To be honest, it took awhile to warm up to this one. Starting with the cover (windswept photos are never a good thing), it was clear Denny was interested in expanding her audience well beyond prior folk-rock endeavors. As such, the collection was a mixed success. Denny's wonderful voice and backing from Steve Winwood and Richard Thompson rescued material such as "I'm a Dreamer", the Thompson-penned "I Wish I was a Fool For You" and the gospel-influenced "Take Me Away". On the other hand, "Gold Dust" and a heavily orchestrated cover of Elton John's "Candle In the Wind" were surprisingly anonymous AOR. Even more irritating, husband/producer Lucas abandoned his normally spare and tasteful production in favor of some gawdawful orchestration. Check out the pompous second half of "All Our Days". Call it a disappointing transition ... Ironically, having finally begun to attract widespread attention, in April, 1978 an intoxicated Denny died after falling down a staircase and suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. A tremendous loss to the music world, she was only 30. "Rendezvous" track listing: 1.) I Wish I was a Fool For You (For Shame of Doing Wrong) (Richard Thompson) - 2.) Gold Dust (Sandy Denny) - 3.) Candle In the Wind (Bernie Taupin - Elton John) - 4.) Take Me Away (Sandy Denny) - 5.) One Way Donkey Ride (Sandy Denny) - 6.) I'm a Dreamer (Sandy Denny) - 7.) All Our Days (Sandy Denny) - 8.) Silver Threads and Golden Needles (Dick Reynolds - Jack Rhodes) - 9.) No More Sad Refrains (Sandy Denny) -

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