1971-2021: A Classic Golden Jubilee Year!
At The Barrier takes a look back at 1971 and celebrates a seminal year for the Rock Album. Happy Birthday to these classics!
Fairport Convention – Fame and Glory (2020 Reissue): Album Review
Fairport Convention’s Breton adventures – now extended! Immerse yourself in Fame and Glory.
Albums of 2020 – Writers Picks
2020 has been a tremendously challenging year for many obvious reasons. One thing that has kept many of us afloat is an endless stream of amazing music.
Dyble Longdon – Between A Breath And A Breath: Album Review
Judy Dyble and David Longdon. Their mutual admiration results in an album that serves as a beautiful swan song.
Richard & Linda Thompson – Hard Luck Stories (1972-1982): Album Review
Richard & Linda Thompson. Two of the UK’s finest singer/songwriters ever. Their Complete Works – and more! A veritable Thompson Treasure Trove.
Why I Love: Zach Phillips on Richard Thompson
Zach Phillips recently released his new album, The Wine Of Youth. Here, the adopted Californian writes about his love of the music of Richard Thompson.
Chris Leslie – Fiddle Back: Album Review
Chris Leslie uses his time in lock down to release a new album that’s half instrumental, half vocal; half self-composed, half trad-arr.
Emma Swift – Blonde On The Tracks: Album Review
Few have been brave enough to dedicate a whole album of Dylan songs like Emma Swift. Blonde On The Tracks meets the challenge head on.
Why I Love: Emma Swift on Sandy Denny
Emma Swift discusses her love of the late, great Sandy Denny; the amazing singer who helped Fairport Convention and Fotheringay reach the top.
Opinion: Why Fairport’s Cropredy Convention is the best festival in England
Fairport’s Cropredy Convention is a staple of the UK festival circuit. We believe it’s the best. Here are ten reasons why.
Why I Love: Simon Nicol on ‘Gigging’
In a piece that seems apt at the moment, Simon Nicol shares his love of gigging. Not a band, not an artist, but a vital aspect of why we all love music; seeing it live.
Why I Love: Gerry Conway on Stevie Wonder
Gerry Conway shares his love of the music of the mighty Stevie Wonder; who recently celebrated his 70th birthday.
Why I Love: Ric Sanders on Percy Grainger
This week, we have Ric Sanders joining us at the barrier. Having played with Soft Machine and The Albion Band, Ric has been a member of Fairport Convention since the early 80’s. These are his thoughts on Percy Grainger, the great song collector.
Why I Love: Chris Leslie on David Grisman
Chris Leslie picks up where Dave Pegg left off in our Fairport Convention Why I Love series. Here, he shares his love of American mandolinist, David Grisman.
Why I Love: Dave Pegg on James Taylor
Here at At The Barrier, we are very lucky to have the members of Fairport Convention write for us in a series of Why I Love specials. First up, Dave Pegg.