Original Fairport chanteuse re-emerges with contemporary edge
After a career break of 34 years, save for the occasional Fairport/Cropredy reunion gig, Judy Dyble has combined with producer/writer Marc Swordfish of Astralasia to complete an album of depth and variety. Judy’s pastoral imagery evokes a romantic world of mists, fruitfulness and fairies that is kept from the dangers of twee by Swordfish’s sometimes dramatic soundscapes.
Judy’s voice has matured but retains the refined Englishness that has kept her a favoured treasure for many decades. The opener, Summer Gathers subtly reminds of late-60s psych-tinged pop and Enchanted Garden is a reworking of a Brian Patten poem that he gave to Judy.
The instrumental tracks weave in and out of the undergrowth, using guitars, sax, and extensive electronic programming to maintain an ethereal feel, broken only by the easy jog-along rhythm of Rivers Flow.
A fascinating album that will delight old fans and attract new ones.
Kingsley Abbott
Record Collector : November 2004