Fairport Convention facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fairport Convention
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The band performing on stage at their annual Cropredy festival in 2019
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Fairport (1976) Fairport Featuring Dave Swarbrick (1976) (US) |
| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | Folk, British folk rock, folk rock, Celtic rock |
| Years active | 1967–1979, 1985–present |
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| Members |
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| Past members | See: Members section |
Fairport Convention is a famous British folk rock band. They started in 1967 in London, England. The original members were Richard Thompson, Simon Nicol, Ashley Hutchings, and Shaun Frater. Shaun Frater was soon replaced by Martin Lamble.
At first, the band was inspired by American folk rock. They played songs by artists like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. People even called them 'the British Jefferson Airplane'. Later, singers Judy Dyble and Iain Matthews joined the group.
Contents
Early Days and Changing Sounds
Fairport Convention released their first album in 1968. After this, Judy Dyble left and Sandy Denny joined as a singer. Sandy Denny helped the band explore traditional British music. This new sound appeared on their albums What We Did on Our Holidays and Unhalfbricking, both released in 1969.
Unhalfbricking featured fiddle player Dave "Swarb" Swarbrick. He played on the song "A Sailor's Life". This song was important because it mixed a traditional British tune with a rock beat for the first time. This helped create the British folk rock style.
A New Direction: British Folk Music
Before Unhalfbricking was released, a tragic accident happened. Martin Lamble and Jeannie Franklyn, Richard Thompson's girlfriend, sadly passed away. This sad event changed the band's direction. They decided to focus entirely on traditional British folk music.
This new style was heard on their important album Liege & Lief, released in the same year. Dave Swarbrick joined the band full-time for this album. Dave Mattacks also joined on drums. After Liege & Lief, both Sandy Denny and Ashley Hutchings left. Dave Pegg replaced Hutchings and has been a key member ever since. Richard Thompson left the band after their 1970 album, Full House.
The 1970s and the Birth of a Festival
During the 1970s, many musicians joined and left Fairport Convention. Dave Swarbrick and Dave Pegg were the main members. Folk music became less popular during this time. Sandy Denny returned to the band in 1975 for the album Rising for the Moon. This album tried to become popular in America, but it didn't quite succeed.
After three more albums, the band decided to stop playing in 1979. They played a farewell concert in a village called Cropredy in Oxfordshire. They had been holding small concerts there since 1976. This farewell concert became the start of the Cropredy Festival. Since 2005, it's known as Fairport's Cropredy Convention. It's now the biggest folk festival in Britain, with about 20,000 people attending every year!
Back Together and Still Playing
Fairport Convention reformed in 1985. Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, and Dave Mattacks were back. They were joined by Maartin Allcock and Ric Sanders. The band has been active ever since. Chris Leslie replaced Allcock in 1996. Gerry Conway replaced Mattacks in 1998. This lineup has stayed the same for a long time, making it the longest-lasting group of members in the band's history.
In 2017, they released their 28th studio album to celebrate their 50th anniversary. They still headline the Cropredy Festival every year.
Why Fairport Convention Matters
Fairport Convention didn't have many big hit songs. Their only song to reach the top 40 was "Si Tu Dois Partir". This was a French version of a Bob Dylan song. However, they are very important in British folk rock music.
Their album Liege & Lief was even called the "Most Influential Folk Album of All Time" in 2006. This was at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Dave Pegg's bass playing style is also very famous. He mixes traditional jigs and reels into his basslines. Many other folk rock bands have copied his style.
Many former members of Fairport Convention went on to form other well-known bands. These include Fotheringay, Steeleye Span, and the Albion Band. Some members, like Richard Thompson and Sandy Denny, also had successful solo careers. Sandy Denny was a very talented singer. She passed away in 1978 but is remembered as one of Britain's best female singer-songwriters. Her song "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" is a signature song for her and the band.
Images for kids
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Fairport Convention on a Dutch television show in 1972
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Fairport Convention "Nine" line-up, reunited on stage at Cropredy 1982
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Simon Nicol and Ric Sanders of Fairport Convention on stage at Fairport's Cropredy Convention 2005
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The stage at Fairport's Cropredy Convention in August 2009
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Kami Thompson and Fairport Convention, 2012
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Simon Nicol at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in February 2007
See also
In Spanish: Fairport Convention para niños
