'Sometimes - The Lady' review(s):
ReviewAllan has been on the English folk scene for around 40 years. These two early albums (originally released in 1970 and 1971 respectively) on the one CD portray his song writing skills, some in collaboration with Miles Wootton, along with his clear renditions of traditional material. The CD is mainly acoustic, however, there is some electric backing with the odd horn and trumpet. He is accompanied by the Fairport Convention "Daves": Dave Mattacks, drums; Dave Swarbrick, violin and Dave Pegg, bass along with vocals from former Fairport vocalist, Ian Matthews - founding member of Matthews Southern Comfort and Young Tradition member, Royston Woods and by other leading musicians on the British music scene. So, to some of the songs on the CD. "Nursery Tale" This starts out painting a happy picture of children playing before turning darker and hinting towards the threat of war and its affect on the children. "Swallow, Swallow" Miles Wootton's song about the migrating bird, wishing he could fly along with it to warmer climes but realises he has to stay to face winter and harsh realities of life. "Pied Piper" Miles' version of the famous tale of the rats of Hamelin and the taking away of the children by the piper. "Song For Kathy" An unashamed love song describing the pleasures of the day. "Scarlet And The Grey" A "conversation" piece pondering on the choices in life. "The Kiss" Allan has written music for the Robert Herrick poem describing the anatomy of the kiss. "The Leaves Of Spring" A comparison of life to that of the life of leaves. Another live for today song. "Sometimes" The title track of the first album. Live the moment. "Sometimes is now". "The Lady" The title track of the second album. The inability to realise love when it is offered. "Belfast '71" A reflection on the futility of conflict in Ireland at that time and the blindness of followers of the causes. "Still he Sings" A song with an almost medieval feel. "The Morning Lies Heavy" An anti-war song perhaps again reflecting on the futility of lost lives. "Something's Changed" The realisation of love. "Let Me Be" Someone who is there for you through thick and thin. "Cain" A nod towards the story of Cain and Abel. "My Lady" Written by Ian Matthews. Another song with a medieval feel. Traditional songs on the CD are :"Robin Hood" - the story of his birth; "Our Captain Cried All Hands" - a sailor's farewell to his loved one; "Searching For Lambs" - young shepherdess meets and is wooed by potential lover; "The Boy And Mantle" - a story of fidelity in the King's court. A pleasant album for sitting down with a glass of wine and relaxing in front of the fire. You will be pleasantly wooed by Allan's voice, his beautiful, thought provoking lyrics and his guitar playing ability, supported by tasteful backing from some of the best musicians in Britain. Basically, you are buying one and getting one free with this CD and it is a wonderful introduction to his music if you were not aware of Allan Taylor before now. A must for your collection as well as pocessing two classic and influential albums from the folk genre source: cd.ciao |
