Search - Ashley Hutchings :: The Guv'nor - Retrospective, Vol. 1

Of historical interest only

D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 12/05/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Bassist/vocalist Ashley Hutchings was a founder of venerable British folk-rock outfits Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span, and remains actively involved in the genre. Despite that pedigree,I found "The Gov'nur, Pt. 1" disappointing. The set begins with a 60's skiffle session,moves on to several Fairport/Steeleye tunes, and covers the mid-70's onward with Albion Band and related projects.Many selections are of bootleg sound quality,(I should have read the fine print!) as they are previously unreleased outtakes, demos and live performances. While I appreciate eclectic styles, I still found the mix of country, skiffle, bluegrass,jigs,blues and reels a rather jarring listen. An interesting look at the "raw dough" that Hutchings brought to Fairport and company, but not the fully baked cake. You're better off with the original studio albums by the aforementioned bands."

Worth checking out

Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com | ...in Middle America | 05/18/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a worthy set of rarities, etc., starting in the olden days before Fairport was founded (a latter-day skiffle recording from 1966), and moving steadily up through Hutchings more recent recordings. Yes, the sound quality isn't always super-sleek, but the material is interesting, and unreleased performances by Sandy Denny, Maddy Prior and Richard Thompson make this worthwhile listening for any devoted Britf-folk fan. I disagree with the super-negative reviews below; this volume is worth checking out, although I will warn you off the sequel disc, "The Guv.nor v.2," which I thought was pretty slipshod."

Insight into the genesis of English Folk Rock

A. Thomson | Northampton UK | 01/07/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Twenty tracks which cover classic Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band - from the archives of the bloke who founded them all. The outstanding tracks are Fairport covering "Dear Landlord" with Sandy Denny vocals; Steeleye tackling "Lay down your weary tune" acappella and the Albions doing "One More Day". Before dismissing Ashley Hutchings as someone who simply has some talented mates (hello Warren Zevon?), ask yourself why the cream of British folk rock have - for thirty odd years - agreed to contribute to his many projects and continue to do so (check 2001's "Street Cries" album with Cara Dillon). There's some fine musicianship, arrangements and spirit in these recordings.
The sound quality sometimes less than perfect - amateurish in the 60's cuts and some tracks don't work - but buy it to appreciate how one visionary has followed his muse over the years."