All Ye // (Scott Johnson)

Yesterday, I began posting one song per day in the style of modern folk while Steve Hayward was in Europe. Let’s take a detour and visit one of the British groups that was inspired Bob Dylan and the Byrds. We will explore their folk tradition.

Since 1967, Fairport Convention has been around in some form or another. Liege (1969) was their fourth album. The Liege and Lief edition of the band included both guitarist/singer/songwriter Richard Thompson and vocalist Sandy Denny.

Denny, a talented and troubled artist, died at the tender age of 31. Denny and Fairport bassist Ashley Hutchings are credited for “Come All Ye”. It is a powerful song of great beauty (lyrics ). It is a powerful invitation that is difficult to refuse.