Shirley Collins MBE

Shirley's Discography can be found here

Her book America Over The Water is a superb read that recounts her journey through the American blues land and growing up in Hastings.

If you live in Sussex then you can see Shirley on Friday 12th January at Rye Community Centre performing her America Over The Water show.

Rather like I asked about HMHB, if I were buying one Shirley Collins, but proper albums only, no collections ...............

Nigel

Hi!
Some stuff here as well.
http://www.forcedexposure.com/bin/search.pl?search_stri...s&searchfield=artist

ROTF.
Maybe you'll find the site of your interest!

quote:

Originally posted by Gianluigi Mazzorana:
Hi!
Some stuff here as well.
http://www.forcedexposure.com/bin/search.pl?search_stri...s&searchfield=artist

ROTF.
Maybe you'll find the site of your interest!

Thank you Gianluigi.

quote:

Originally posted by hungryhalibut:
Rather like I asked about HMHB, if I were buying one Shirley Collins, but proper albums only, no collections ...............

Nigel

Nigel - that's quite hard, as there are three of Shirley's records I recommend usually so if I'm only allowed one then I'm going to choose Folk Roots, New Roots the album Shirley did with Davy Graham. Shirley herself said this album was experimental and not an experiment she would repeat preferring to be more true to the English tradition without blues or jazz influences. However, to me it is a masterpiece and perhaps the most important album to me in my youth. It made me want to listen to music. It was just so different. Davy's guitar is superb and Shirley's voice is just so pure. The opening track Nottamun Town may just be the best folk song ever recorded. Without this album there would have been no English folk revival; I doubt Steeleye Span or Fairport Convention or even the wonderful Vashti Bunyan would have produced their classic albums.



The other two for interest are Anthems In Eden and No Roses.

Anthems In Eden: Shirley made this album in 1969 and the musical setting was arranged by her sister Dolly. It features The Early Music Consort of London, directed by David Munrow. Christopher Hogwood plays the Harpsichord (marvellous - he's a genius). It is a medley of folk songs played on early music instruments, such as viols, recorders, sackbuts and crumhorns. It is strikingly original and I doubt you'll hear another record like it.



The other album I recommended is No Roses. It is really Fairport Convention backing Shirley. If you like the Fairport Convention's Liege and Lief then I suspect you'll like this, but I think I would put it third - try Folk Roots New Roots or Anthems In Eden first.

Hope you like which ever you choose.

All the best Rotf.

Thanks for taking the time to provide such clear and helpful recommendations. Others seem to agree with you, as these are the two top choices on Amazon. And as you need to spend £15 to get free postage..... I've ordered the two.

Thanks again

Nigel

Seconded on the thanks - having only just "discovered" Liege & Lief I know what's going to be in my next Amazon binge.

Steve.

She gets a spot in "All Back to My Place" in the current Mojo (page9).

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Kelly:
She gets a spot in "All Back to My Place" in the current Mojo (page9).

Chris - thanks I'll look out for a copy