Sandy Denny
The BBC Sessions 1971-73

THE REVIEW

The name Sandy Denny might be new to many people, but in reality, even those who don’t know her have heard her sing at least once: she is the voice that duets with Robert Plant in "The Battle Of Evermore" by Led Zeppelin.

But delving deeper into the knowledge of this artist, you discover that she is one of the most important figures in the English folk revival scene at the turn of the late '60s and early '70s, first as the voice of the essential Fairport Convention, then as a solo artist.

In the album in question, released in 1997 and the result of the union of 5 different live recording sessions, Sandy presents herself in an acoustic version, accompanying herself only with guitar or piano in as many as 16 pieces out of 20, thus leaving maximum space to her voice, which in such a context is exalted in all its incredible beauty.

The songs presented here are largely drawn from her first three solo albums, except for some covers and rearranged traditional songs, and they are twenty little gems of that folk that Sandy immensely helped to bring back to public attention since the time when she was with Fairport Convention. Among them, the marvelous "The Northstar Grassman And The Ravens" and "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" undoubtedly stand out, but there are no moments of decline throughout the entire duration of the album, and it couldn't be otherwise, given the immense pleasure provided by listening to Sandy's extraordinary voice.

Unfortunately, her premature death in 1978, at just 31 years old, deprived the music world of one of its most beautiful voices, not just among female singers, but in those 31 years of life, Sandy Denny nonetheless showed us all her greatness, and this album is a magnificent testimony to that.

If you already know Sandy Denny, you know what to expect and you won’t be disappointed, but if you have no idea who she is, this album might be the right opportunity to start enjoying her voice...