Artist: Fairport Convention Album: The Bonny Bunch of Roses

Year: 2007
Duration: 40:30

A Critical Review of Fairport Convention's The Bonny Bunch of Roses

Fairport Convention, one of the pioneering bands of folk-rock music, has come up with yet another album that showcases their exceptional skills in blending traditional folk tunes with contemporary rock instruments. The Bonny Bunch of Roses, released in 1977, speaks volumes about the band's ability to create music that resonates with both traditional and modern sensibilities. In this blog post, we will dive into the history of the band, explore the musical elements of the album, and critically review the best songs and parts of the album.

First off, let's take a brief look at who Fairport Convention is. Formed in 1967 in London, the band has gone through several line-up changes over the decades. Their sound is rooted in traditional British folk music, but they have successfully incorporated various influences, such as rock, jazz, and blues, into their music. With iconic albums like Liege & Lief and Unhalfbricking, they have cemented their position as one of the most influential bands in the folk-rock genre.

Coming back to The Bonny Bunch of Roses, the album boasts 12 tracks that are a mix of traditional tunes and original compositions. One of the most noticeable features of the album is the intricate guitar work by Jerry Donahue and Simon Nicol, which perfectly complements the vocal harmonies of the band. The title track, The Bonny Bunch of Roses, is a standout, featuring a mesmerizing guitar solo and powerful vocals by Dave Swarbrick.

Another exceptional track is Is it Real?, which has a catchy tune and an upbeat tempo that immediately gets you hooked. The instrumental Close the Door Lightly When You Go is yet another gem that showcases the band's expertise in merging genres seamlessly. David Pegg's bass work adds depth to the overall sound, and the drumming by Dave Mattacks perfectly ties everything together.

The Bonny Bunch of Roses also has a fair share of innovative elements that make it stand out among the band's discography. The use of mandolin and fiddle in The Hens March through the Midden & The Four Poster Bed adds layers of texture, while the inclusion of synths and electric guitar in General Taylor brings a contemporary touch to the traditional tune.

Critically speaking, there are a few flaws in the album that may not sit well with listeners who prefer a more consistent sound. Some of the cuts, such as Ye Mariners All and Royal Seleccion No.13, lack the punch and energy that the other tracks bring to the table. Moreover, while the instrumentation is top-notch, the vocals in some of the songs, such as Now be Thankful, may sound uninspired to some ears.

Overall, Fairport Convention's The Bonny Bunch of Roses is a commendable effort that showcases the band's versatility and proficiency in creating music that transcends time and genre. With its mix of traditional and modern elements, the album is a musical journey that takes you through different eras and emotions. While it may not be the band's best work, it is still worth checking out for anyone who appreciates good folk-rock music.

Overall, Fairport Convention's The Bonny Bunch of Roses is a commendable effort that showcases the band's versatility and proficiency in creating music that transcends time and genre. With its mix of traditional and modern elements, the album is a musical journey that takes you through different eras and emotions. While it may not be the band's best work, it is still worth checking out for anyone who appreciates good folk-rock music.