TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Iain

Firstly, let me say thank you for agreeing to be a guest on Talkawhile. I've enjoyed listening to your music for many years, whether it be solo, Fairport, Plainsong, etc.

Can you tell me what it was like making Holidays? I've always loved the record, and wonder if you have any special memories of it. Did it take a long time to do? Were you happy with final result? Any personal faves on that album?

Best

Jamie

Strange as it may seem, I have virtually no recollection of those sessions.
To tell you the truth, I was already struggling with my role in the band.
You have to understand that this was not my band, or my concept. It belonged completely to Ashley, Richard, Simon and Joe. We all like a lot of the same writers and that helped. Sandy entered like a spring blossom and all attention was directed to her trad licks.
I hope this doesn't sound like sour grapes, because it's just the opposite.
As indebted as I am to all of them for including me and giving me a career, I truly was trying to find myself back then, with few results. I honestly cringe when I hear my vocals from the period. What was I doing!! Who was I trying to be! Stevie Windwood?
"Book song" I love that track. What Richard added melodically is sublime and that Cello, Pheew.

I must admit that I only recently got myself a copy of the album. It definitely fits into all the different categories that Fairport could've fit into in the 60's. Although arguably, Unhalfbricking was the first sign of Folk in the band, the elements in WWDOOH are detectable.

I wouldn't say it was one of my favourites, but it is still a classic nonetheless.

I don't think that's the case - WWDOOH has two traditional songs (as well as Fotheringay), whereas Unhalfbricking has only one. I reckon the former has a much folkier feel than the latter.

Many thanks, Iain, for your recollections. I too love Book Song and the whole arrangement.

Jamie

I agree WWDOOH definately sways toward folk more than Unhalfbricking