Fairport Convention

Fairport Convention got its start in the same London underground as their more psychedelic counterparts and eventually became England’s first (and finest) electric folk band. Founded by bassist Ashley Hutchings, guitarists Simon Nicol and Richard Thompson, and singer Judy Dyble, the band took its name from Nicol’s parents’ house in Muswell Hill. Drummer Martin Lamble joined after their first gig, while second vocalist Iain Matthews (McDonald) was recruited just prior to the recording of their first album. With the requisite Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell covers, Fairport too was absorbing their own influences-in particular West Coast; so much so that they were even dubbed “The British Jefferson Airplane.” Their debut though is a pleasant and gentle affair that showcased the talents of guitarists Thompson and Nicol. “Sun Shade” and “The Lobster” both portend the King Crimson debut in some respects-except of course there’s no Mellotron. Underneath the subdued recording, the compositions have more dynamics than one may expect-the guitar work is simply sublime-but the album remains just a beginning for the young band. Dyble would leave the band after the album’s release. However, this seemingly innocuous event would be serendipitous to the timeline. Working with Ian McDonald, she enlisted the services of Giles, Giles & Fripp, and in doing so, sowed the seeds for King Crimson’s rise. As for Fairport, her replacement, Sandy Denny, would impart significant momentum into the direction Fairport Convention would follow.