Lift the Lid and Listen (CD) by Dave Swarbrick

Recorded and originally released on LP in 1978, this album comprises 11 traditional folk tunes and one Dave Swarbrick original. At the time Swarbrick was a member of the celebrated folk-rock group Fairport Convention and he is here joined by three of the Fairport circle, Simon Nicol (guitar,bass), Dave Pegg (bass) and Bruce Rowland (drums). Other accompanists are Savourna Stevenson (harp), Beryl Marriott (piano) and Roger Marriott (melodeon, harmonica,flute,whistle). The style of music is passionate and earthy; Dave Swarbrick's rowdy vocal style and fine, jazz-tinged violin playing are a joy to hear.