Martin Best (singer, acoustic guitar 12-string guitar, lute,
psaltery)
with
Paul Keogh, Julian Byzantine, Daryl Runswick, Barry Morgan, Gerry
Butler, Derek Austin, Barry de Sousa, Alastair McLachlan, Les
Thatcher, Hughie Burns, David Mason, Patricia Clarke and Kay Garner
(singers)
Arrangements by Nick Ingman, Martin Best
Released 1977
Out of print, not reissued on CD.
An odd detour in Martin's oeuvre, using amplified instruments to create a pop/rock texture which sits uneasily with his trained voice. Some of the music, however, is quite extraordinary, particularly 'Knight on the Road', the moving 'Weary Man', and Martin's setting of Stevie Smith's poem 'Ballad of the Dead Man'. Benjamin Barber's lyrics fluctuate wildly in quality: at their best they are informed by a true poetic presence, while at other times they sound forced and awkward. All that said, there is often an intensity and depth of feeling in this recording which ultimately justifies its brave attempt to create a modern setting for the troubadour sensibility.
To FAQ references to this recording.
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Rob Smyth