Sandy Denny - London 1972

Reloaded 13/May/2015 - I am delighted to be able to share this rare recording of Sandy Denny again, this is a treasure for all Sandy Denny fans. 

This is a recording of Sandy Denny live at the Eltham Well Hall Open Theatre, London, back on May 5th, 1972. This was apparently an open air gig with folding chairs provided for the audience.

The recording was made on a Radio Shack $20 cassette recorder with a built in condenser mic, and considering this, the sound quality is surprisingly listenable with clear vocals and instruments and very little 'noise or hiss'. The recording made it on to DAT and kept the quality as close to the original standard as possible. For fans of Sandy this really is a must have. Richard Thompson was also in the band. 

Sandy Denny's second solo album, Sandy (with a cover photograph by David Bailey) was released in 1972 and for many remains her most cohesive musical statement as a singer and songwriter.

Source: Audience recording.

Sound Quality: Mono very listenable mp3@160kbps.

Genre: Folk, electric folk.

Set: Full set.

Set List:

01 For Nobody To Hear
02 Bushes & Briars
03 Love's Made A Fool Of You
04 The Music Weaver
05 Crazy Lady Blues
06 Reynard The Fox
07 Sweet Rosemary
08 Matty Groves
09 It'll Take A Long Time
10 The Lady
11 John The Gun
12 Down In The Flood
13 When Will I Be Loved
14 Rigs Of Time

Website: Official HERE.

Reloaded 13/May/2015 - download link in comments below.

Sandy Denny and The Happy Blunderers - Lincoln 1971.

This is Sandy Denny and The Happy Blunderers live at the Lincoln Folk Festival (England) back on the 24th July 1971. She's backed by the self named Happy Blunderers, consisting of Fairport members Richard Thompson, Dave Pegg and Jerry Conway. Richard plays guitar throughout and sings backing vocals on the third song (Crash On The Levee - a Dylan song).

The first solo album by Sandy Denny 'The North Star Grassman and the Ravens' was also released in 1971 and is distinguished by its elusive lyrics and unexpected harmonies. Highlights included Late November, inspired by a dream and the death of Fairport band member Martin Lamble, and Next Time Around a cryptogram about Jackson C. Frank, one of her many portraits in song. Both songs were included in this short set.

Also on the bill at the festival were The Byrds, Dion, Tim Hardin, the Incredible String Band, Ralph McTell, Pentangle, Tom Paxton, Steeleye Span, Dave Swarbrick & Martin Carthy, James Taylor, and Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee. 

Source: Audience.

Sound Quality: Listenable (a bit like AM radio at night),  mp3@265kbps.

Genre: Folk, folk rock.

Set: Full Set.

Set List:

01 Late November
02 The North Star Grassman And The Ravens
03 Crash On The Levee (Down In The Flood)
04 Blackwaterside
05 The Optimist
06 Next Time Around
07 Crazy Lady Blues
08 John The Gun

Line Up:

Sandy Denny: Vocals, Guitar
Richard Thompson: Guitar
Dave Pegg: Bass
Gerry Conway: Drums

Links: Official Sandy Denny HERE.

New file link in comments below - Re-uploaded 2012 (Stealth project).

Tim Buckley - Denver 1969

This is Tim Buckley performing just four songs at the Denver Pop Festival held at the Mile High Stadium, Denver, USA on the June 28th 1969.

Tim Buckley's short life is well documented, so a little about the actual Denver festival. The Denver Pop Festival was a three-day music festival promoted by rock promoter Barry Fey (Feyline) on June 27-June 29, 1969 which was largely overshadowed by Woodstock two months later. Unlike the free-form happening in upstate New York, the Denver festival had the full support and local resources of a major city, taking place in Denver Mile High Stadium. There were high expectations for the Festival; it was commonly called the "First Annual" Denver Pop Festival. The peak attendance was estimated at 50,000.

Frank Zappa is credited by some with inventing the audience wave during his set. He actually selected sections of the stadium (audience) to each make different odd sounds and gestures. He then composed a "tune" on his "crowd instrument".

Throughout much of the festival, a crowd gathered outside the venue and demonstrated against having to pay to hear the acts. They also tried to breach the gates and security fences. The Denver Police were forced to employ riot tactics to protect the gates. On the second day the battle between gatecrashers outside the stadium and the police suddenly affected those inside. With a combination of shifting wind and re-thrown canisters, tear gas suddenly swept over the crowd. The seats emptied into the concourses and onto the field.

Ticket prices were $6 per day, or $15 for all three days (Fri, Sat, Sun). On Sunday, after all possible tickets had been sold, the promoter announced from the stage that he was declaring it a "free festival". Other bands appearing included - Three Dog Night, Iron Butterfly, The Flock,  Poco, Johnny Winter, CCR, Joe Cocker, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Source: Audience.

Sound Quality: Very listenable (both in clarity and for it's age) mp3@128kbps

Genre: Folk, folk rock, experimental.

Set: Full set.

Set List:

1. Dolphins.
2. Gypsy Woman.
3. Buzzin' Fly.
4. The Train.

Website: Official HERE.

New file link in comments below - Re-uploaded 2012 (Stealth project).

Gordon Lightfoot - Demos 1964 - 1966

This is the fourth edition of Beehive Candy's 'rarities and collectors items' where we feature very listenable but hardly audiophile standard recordings. On this occasion we have Gordon Lightfoot and a collection of demo recordings that have circulated under the title 'Warner 7 Art Demos, and feature material from 1964 - 1966.

Despite the fact that most of Gordon Lightfoot's major and international success came in the 1970's He was gaining attention in Canada from the early part of the 1960's.

In 1962, he released two singles that were local hits in Toronto and received some airplay elsewhere in Canada as well. "(Remember Me) I'm the One" reached number 3 on CHUM radio in Toronto in July 1962 and was also a top 20 hit on Montreal's CKGM, then a very influential Canadian Top 40 radio station. The follow-up single was "Negotiations"/"It's Too Late, He Wins"; it reached number 27 on CHUM in December. He also sang with Terry Whelan in a duo called the Two-Tones. They recorded a live album that was released in 1962 called Two-Tones at the Village Corner.
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In 1963, Lightfoot travelled to Europe. In the United Kingdom he hosted, for one year, BBC TV's Country and Western Show. In 1964 Lightfoot returned to Canada; he appeared at the Mariposa Folk Festival. During this time he began to develop a reputation as a songwriter. Ian and Sylvia Tyson recorded "Early Mornin' Rain" and "For Lovin' Me"; a year later both songs were recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary.

In 1965, Lightfoot signed a management contract with Albert Grossman, who also represented Bob Dylan. That same year, he signed a recording contract with United Artists and released his own version of "I'm Not Saying" as a single. Appearances at the Newport Folk Festival, the Tonight Show, and New York's Town Hall increased his following and his reputation. In 1966, he released his debut album Lightfoot!, which brought him increased recognition as both a singer and a songwriter. It featured many now-famous songs, including "For Lovin' Me," "Early Mornin' Rain," "Steel Rail Blues," and "Ribbon of Darkness." On the strength of the Lightfoot! album, which mixed Canadian and universal themes, Lightfoot became one of the first Canadian singers to achieve real stardom in his own country without having to move to the United States.

These demos sit somewhere amongst all of this and add to the history of this incredible artist. 

Source: Demo Tapes.

Sound Quality: For the year and source very good and totally listenable (mp3).

Genre: Folk, folk rock, country.

Demo List:

01. River Gal
02. The Martyred Children
03. Anything My Woman Does
04. Too Much Too Lose
05. The Lost Children
06. When Spring Is O'er The Land
07. Echoes Of Heroes
08. A Love That's True
09. Things They Say
10. A Ring And A Secret
11. Try To Count The Tears
12. That Innocent Look
13. Two Kids From Cabbage Town
14. Somebody Told A Lie
15. Yes I Will
16. Red Roses And You
17. Betty Mae's A Good Time Gal
18. A Few Moments Ago
19. Rosey And Me
20. The General Store
21. Sands Of Time
22. Prettiest Time Of Her Life
23. Sweet Temptation
24. New Day
25. The Last Hand
26. Don't Be Sorry
27. Roll On
28. An Old Friend
29. Fox Fire
30. It's Better That Way
31. Weep Not For Me
32. Crossroads 

Website: Two fan sites HERE and HERE.

Reloaded - 20/May/2015 - download link in comments.

Renaissance - Live In Cincinnati 1970.

This is the original line up of Renaissance live in concert at Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati, USA, on the 25th February 1970.

The band were formed in January 1969 by former Yardbirds members Keith Relf and Jim McCarty . In February 1970, they embarked on a North American tour, but this month-long trek proved a mitigated success, as because of their Yardbirds credentials they found themselves paired with bands like The Kinks and their new classically-oriented direction didn't always go down well with audiences.

Line up changes started not long after this tour and eventually left only Jane Relf and John Hawken from the original line up.

There are however some strong musical parallels that can be heard in this set that clearly continued to develop within the second incarnation of the band that would see Annie Haslam take over on vocals by 1971.

Source: Soundboard

Sound Quality: Highly listenable (some tape hiss and low audio levels) mp3@160kbps

Genre: Progressive rock, folk rock.

Set: Full set.

Set List:

01. Kings & Queens
02. Wanderer
03. No Name Rage
04. Islands
05. Bullets (cuts off)

Band Line Up:

Keith Relf: (vocals & guitar)
John Hawken (keyboard)
Louis Cennamo (bass)
Jane Relf (vocals)
Jim McCarty (drums & vocals)

Comments:

I came across this recording by chance, however unfortunately there were not any details to accompany the recording apart from the line up and track listing. I have put soundboard as the audio is in my opinion to clear for audience and unlikely to have been FM with all the stops and gaps in the performance.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture.

Sandy Denny - Newcastle Guildhall 1972

This is the second in our new occasional series under the banner 'Rarities and Collectors Items' where the audio might not be first class but the interest factor is likely quite high.

It's over thirty years since Sandy Denny passed away, and yet her influence as a folk singer and artist has remained down the years, her ability to interpret anything from traditional folk too folk rock setting the benchmark for those that have followed.

This is a beautiful set recorded by a member of the audience who edited out the gaps and some applause however retained her conversation with the audience along with the songs. Being a small venue and with a respectful audience the intimate nature of the concert can be felt and heard.

Performing on October 12th 1972 at the Guildhall, Newcastle, England this is the much missed Sandy Denny.

Source: Audience recording

Sound Quality: Very good for audience recording and era mp3@320kbps.

Genre: Folk, Electric Folk.

Set: Majority of set.

Set List:

01. Itll Take A Long Time
02. Bushes And Briars
03. Sweet Rosemary
04. It Suits Me Well
05. Late November
06. Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood
07. The Sea Captain
08. The Sea
09. The Lady
10. John The Gun
11. Late November

Comments:

From wikipedia:

Sandy Denny (6 January 1947 – 21 April 1978), born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny, was an English singer and songwriter who has been described by Allmusic's Richie Unterberger as "the pre-eminent British folk rock singer". She emerged in the mid 1960s while still a teenager, performing on the folk revival scene where she displayed her mastery of traditional singing and interpretation. Her song, "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?", written during these early years, has been covered by numerous artists and is regarded as a classic of its type.

Sandy Denny's renown grew after her death, and her songs have been covered by many other artists. She is considered a founder of the British folk rock movement and perhaps its most important female singer and personality. It has been suggested that her effortless and smooth vocal delivery still sets the standard for many of today's female folk-based singers.

Over a ten year career Sandy Denny left an extensive legacy and remains influential. She is remembered for the crystal-clear purity but also the strength of her voice as well as her pivotal involvement with the British folk rock movement, where, as a member of Fairport Convention, she moved the band away from west coast American cover versions and into performing traditional material and original compositions. She is also noted for her duet with Robert Plant on Led Zeppelin's fourth album in 1971, on the song "The Battle of Evermore", and to date she remains the only guest vocalist on a Led Zeppelin album.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture.

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Sandy Denny

Colosseum II - Germany 1977

We have decided to introduce a new occasional series under the banner 'Rarities and Collectors Items' where the audio might not be first class but the interest factor is likely quite high. There are many live recordings and demos to be found in varying degrees of quality and probable interest. These are just some that we are delighted to share.

Several years after the dissolution of Colosseum, Jon Hiseman recruited Gary Moore and Don Airey to form Colosseum II. The mandate this time, however, was not the jazz and blues inflected rock of the original band, but a full-tilt journey into hyperkinetic jazz fusion that stretched the players about as far as they could go.

This is the band live on WDR Radio Nachtmusik, Cologne, Germany from the 29th October 1977.

Source: FM Broadcast

Sound Quality: Good stereo mp3@128kbps some tape hiss between numbers.

Genre: Jazz Rock, Fusion.

Set: Edited set.

Set List:

01. Wardance
02. The Inquisition
03. Trilogy: Star Maiden - Mysterioso - Quasar
04. Lament
05. Desperado
06. Drum Solo
07. Fighting Talk

Comments:

Colosseum II were a British band formed by the former Colosseum drummer and leader, Jon Hiseman, following the 1974 demise of his band Tempest.

Hiseman announced his plan to form the band eventually named Colosseum II in November 1974, but only Gary Moore was named. Rehearsals were due to begin on January 1, 1975, but a permanent unit was not finalised until May 1975. Among musicians who almost made the group were Graham Bell, Duncan MacKay and Mark Clarke. The line-up was completed by Don Airey, Neil Murray and Mike Starrs.

The sound was oriented toward Jazz fusion, much of which was based around the guitar work of Moore, leading to a much heavier sound than the original Colosseum band. After disappointing sales of the first album, Murray and Starrs were unceremoniously sacked by the bands record label (Bronze) in July 1976.

The band continued with a new record label and a new bass player (John Mole), and recorded two further largely instrumental (and still commercially unsuccessful) albums. They also performed on Variations with Andrew Lloyd Webber, which also featured Julian Lloyd Webber on cello, Rod Argent on keyboards and Hiseman's wife, Barbara Thompson, on flute and sax. This album reached number 2 on the UK charts.

In August 1978, Moore left to rejoin Thin Lizzy for a fourth spell, and Airey's brother Keith Airey replaced him on guitar. Sadly plans for a fourth album fell through when Don Airey decided to join Rainbow in December 1978.

Download link in comments below or click on the picture..

Buy: Mp3's at Amazon.co.uk - Colosseum II