‘Liege & Lief’ continues to work, unconventionally

Spencer Patterson

Friday, May 13, 2005 | 8:44 a.m.

Critics often say that one band or another sounds years ahead of its time. Few, acts, however, have sounded so behind their time as Fairport Convention.

That's no dig. Far from it, the British folk-rock outfit made wonderful music, music that wouldn't have seemed so out of place 10 centuries ago, when minstrels wandered the earth.

The group's lineup, which underwent myriad changes even during its late-'60s, early-'70s peak, was at its best with vocalist Sandy Denny at its core.

Between the summer of 1968 and the spring of 1969, Denny and her mates recorded three dazzling albums -- "What We Did On Our Holidays," "Unhalfbricking" and "Liege & Lief."

The last of that trio marks Fairport's finest hour, and makes the best point of entry into the band's somewhat overwhelming catalog.

In large part, the timeless quality of "Liege" can be attributed to its tracklisting. Six of eight cuts are reworkings of traditional folk tunes, including epic numbers "Matty Groves" and "Tam Lin."

Both seven-plus-minute songs relate tales of grand halls, noblemen and fair maidens.

If it sounds a little Dungeons & Dragons-y, it is, but Fairport pulls it off, thanks to brilliant arrangements, considerable instrumental chops and Denny's celestial voice.

For an idea of her greatness, listen to fourth track "Farewell, Farewell," a relatively simple, straightforward piece of music made remarkable by the singular Denny.

Though penetratingly crisp and clear, Denny's vocals also convey a range of emotions, be it haunting melancholy or resplendent joy.

Tragically, the great British singer died in 1978 at age 31 after falling down a flight of stairs. Given that, listening to her work can be a bit of a somber experience.

Mostly though, the Denny-led Fairport conjures up cheerful images of a band of musicians traveling from town to town, playing as they go.

Artist: Fairport Convention.

Title: "Liege & Lief."

Year of release: 1969 (reissued 1990, A&M Records).

Tracklisting: "Come All Ye," "Raynardine," "Matty Groves," "Farewell, Farewell," "The Deserter," "Medley: The Lark in the Morning / Rakish Paddy / Fox-Hunter's Jig / Toss the Feathers," "Tam Lin," "Crazy Man Michael."