'Bullinamingvase'

I can't believe I'd never even heard of the legendary, and prolific, folk / rock singer and songwriter until I chanced upon him performing 'One Of Those Days In England' 0n TOGWT vol 1 DVD. On listening to some of his cd's I couldn't help but be impressed by Roy Harper's songwriting skills, his lyrics and by his 'finger picking' (give 'Green Man' a listen'). I like that he's not afraid to develop his ideas fully, producing longform tracks with various 'movements'. 'Stormcock' being an example of a 4 track album he made in 1971, one of my favourites, and 'One Of Those Days In England Parts 2 to 10', 19 minutes of 'goodness' that veers from folk to rock, nay I'd say more like prog rock?

'Bullinamingvase' was my first Roy Harper purchase, and the album I go back to most often. It's in my opinion a 'folk' album for listeners who don't like folk music. There's a heady mix of folk, country, rock and a leaning towards prog. Roy's lyrics range from the heartfelt to tongue firmly in cheek, profound to profane, and he even throws in a critique of the state of motorway service station cuisine in late 70's Britain (Watford Gap) which may, or may not be on various release versions of this album.

'Watford Gap' is a great track, but in my opinion is at odds with the rest of the album so I don't think I'd have been too bothered if I'd bought this album without the 'banned' track. I understand someone 'high up' in the record company had 'connections' with the group running the Watford Gap services?

One thing I forgot to mention, Roy Harper is very talented in the vocals department and he has quite a range as demonstrated in 'Cherishing The Lonesome', a standout track on this album. There's some lovely acoustic here as well as some nice electric touches.

This album never fails to give me a smile when I hear it, it's full of joy and the ensemble cast of supporting musicians makes this album a bit special to my ears. Give it a listen, I think you'll feel the same way.

[IMG]http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b219/johnnyjazz/covers/Bullinamingvase.jpg[/IMG]

1996 Science Friction Re-issue (HUCD021)

1. "One Of Those Days In England" – 3:25

2. "These Last Days" – 4:26

3. "Cherishing the Lonesome" – 5:54

4. "Naked Flame" – 5:06

5. "Watford Gap" – 3:22

6. "One Of Those Days In England (Parts 2-10)" – 19:27

7. "Breakfast With You" – 2:42

The 'Cast';

* Roy Harper -

* John Leckie - Sound Engineer

* Mark Vigars - Sound Engineer

* Steve Broughton

* Dave Cochran

* B.J. Cole

* Herbie Flowers

* John Halsey

* Percy Jones

* Skaila Kanga

* Ronnie Lane

* David Lawson

* Alvin Lee

* Linda McCartney

* Paul McCartney

* Jimmy McCulloch

* Henry McCullough

* Max Middleton

* Dave Plowman

* Andy Roberts

* The Vauld Symphony Orchestra