Biography of Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention emerged at the end of the '60s, as something of a British response to the American West Coast sound. A wildly eclectic bunch at the outset, Fairport quickly jettisoned their original vocal front line, and abandoned the American singer/songwriter material they often relied on. With the band's third album, Unhalfbricking, guitarist Richard Thompson's songwriting skills took hold, and Sandy Denny emerged as England's premier female vocalist.The album that was to follow, Liege and Lief, proved to be the crown jewel of Fairport's career. Inspired by earlier experiments with traditional British folk music, the band crafted a mixture of heavily reworked folk standards and sympathetic originals, topped by the brilliant singing of Denny. Sadly, it was to be her last (for a time), and after another album, Thompson was gone as well.Fairport continued through the '70s with ever-changing lineups, and even a short-lived reunion with Denny, but despite making several fine, underrated albums, Fairport Convention eventually waved goodbye.The mid-'80s saw a reborn Fairport, centering around three members from the band's classic era and continuing the legacy with several more fine albums. The complete Fairport story could occupy a massive volume in itself; just let it be known that the influence and importance of this band is substantial. ~ Steve Aldrich