TalkAwhile - The Folk Corporation Forum

Picked up a copy of Chris' new solo album at the Aggies gig at Hitchin, and I think it's bloody marvelous.

Easily my favourite record of his, as it's got a little bit of everything. There's some brand new material from Chris himself (some of which I'm sure will work its way into the Fairport repertoire), there's some dance tunes, some trad songs, some Native American style stuff including a version of Geronimo's Cadillac (similar to the FoF arrangement) and the album even opens with a track written by Sandy Denny.

Anyone else pick up a copy of this yet, and if so, what did you think of it?

Yes, bought it at Butlins..  Lovely album  :)

Hopefully, there'll be copies on the Wintour merch tables.

I've been away from this forum for a long time, but it's good to be here again to say that Chris new album is a pleasure to hear. Our Chris plays very well (obviously) all instruments (guitars, fiddles, mandolins, flutes and percussion). Don't miss 'Origins'

all the best wishes to you all

Paolo

I've listened to Origins about six times across the last few days.  The title track is astonishing and hypnotic.  It's more or less an instrumental with some vocals but no lyrics, if that makes sense.  At one point, I hear a vocalization that sounds as if it's in the style of Tuvan throat-singers.  

The opening song (Sweet Rosemary, written by Sandy Denny) is a beautiful new interpretation of that piece of music.  Makes me want to hear Chris take a crack at other pieces from Sandy's oeuvre (I'm fond of No End, Late November, and Next Time Around in particular and wouldn't mind if the current iteration of Fairport Convention performed cover versions of those songs, though I realize they're originally from Sandy's solo works).

But back to Origins.  Of the material penned by Chris himself on this new album, I especially like Theodore's Song -- four and a half minutes of pleasant acoustic music with lyrics that tell an engaging story.

The CD is absolutely worth your hard-earned wonga.

Thanks for the additional info...I'm pleased to find out that Sweet Rosemary is the Sandy cover, it's not regarded as one of the usual classics, but it's one of my favourite songs of hers.It's not a powerful, emotional song, full of sadness or passion, just a happy,just slightly wistful, delicate llittle thing.
The title track sounds, er, slightly prog to me, so I wanna hear it.
I guess I'll be getting a copy of it, so all credit to you for securing a sale on behalf of Chris.
Cheers!

Exactly the way I feel about Sweet Rosemary as well, nicely put Mike. Guess this will get added to the list of CD's to buy then  :)      

Yes a nice one. The best album from Chris so far I think.  8)