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www.clivecarroll.co.uk [Release date 02.10.23]
I have a confession to make. In the early 1970s I was heavily into “early music” and for a time performed in a duo recreating the dance music of the medieval minstrels. That band’s demise was probably hastened by the wearing of doublet and hose during performance. Not a good look.
There was a resurgence of interest in this genre at the time, and several mainstream artists embraced it. John Renbourn, long hailed by folkies for his early solo albums and collaboration with Bert Jansch, had already released his early music inspired album ‘Sir John Alot…’ in 1968 and more particularly ‘The Lady And The Unicorn’ two years later.
Although not confined to Renbourn’s interpretation of early music, Clive Carroll’s latest double album does major on pieces inspired by that period. ‘Lady Goes To Church’, ‘Intrada/Danse Royale’ (never released by Renbourn and featuring here “The Unseen University’s Early Music Ensemble”), ‘The English Dance’ (aka ‘Estampie’ and also played by medieval rockers Gryphon) and of course ‘The Lady And The Unicorn’ sit well with the more folky stuff such as ‘Faro’s Rag’ and the bluesy ‘Buffalo’.
Carroll is the modern day keeper of the flame having opened a gig for Renbourn in the late 1990s and then accompanying him on tour subsequently. The two forged a close musical partnership until Renbourn’s death in 2015.
Carroll is quick to point out that much of Renbourn’s repertoire remained unplayed live as he stuck to a fairly predictable setlist. Just as Renbourn freely adapted medieval and folk themes Carroll has added new sections to several pieces.
As for Carroll’s playing, he hasn’t been called “arguably the most accomplished finger stylist in the world today” for nothing, lending his deft touch, experience and – moreover – his real insight to this music. A particular tour de force is his take on ‘Little Niles’ which first appeared on Renbourn’s ‘Live In Italy’ album in 1998.
Carroll’s mainly acoustic guitar is augmented by a variety of musicians lending more colour to the tunes in the shape of, for example, cor anglais, flute and percussion.
Amongst the guests on this splendid album, Renbourn’s Pentangle colleague Jacqui McShee (‘Wedding Dress’) and sometime collaborator Stefan Grossman (‘Special Rider Blues’ and ‘Banty Rooster’). They come together for a rousing ‘Sidi Brahim’ which also attests Renbourn’s interest in eastern and world music.
Clive’s album will have the effect of encouraging further exploration of a legendary player whilst enjoying an updated take on his music. It may also introduce listeners to early music, its apparent simplicity still appealing to modern ears. Moreover, it may even get them seeking out more of Clive Carroll. *****
Review by David Randall
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