Great choice by Stephen Qualtrough. Steeleye Span are a legendary folk rock band who had Fairport Convention connections through Ashley Hutchings who was a founding member of both groups. But the real powerhouses of the group were Maddy Prior and Tim Hart although they've had many illustrious members. The band started in 1969 and is still in existence and Maddy is the ever present member. She is of course a fantastic vocalist. The band used to hold the record for the biggest audience at Nottingham University which was eventually beaten by Wings debut gig there. The band did not take their name because of Steely Dan, they are named after a character in a folk song. However, Steely Dan did challenge them to some kind of contest with the winner being able to use their name in America. As far as I know, Steeleye just ignored them. They are a great band with great songs, great arranging skills and great musicianship and performances. Definitely a band I have a lot of time for although that reminds me that I need to complete my album collection. They are that good. Finally, for Brits of a certain age, Maddy once told me that her father used to write Z Car scripts.
Saw them three times last year (some Covid issues contributing to that unusual situation). Fantastic with Violeta Vicci on violin - her solo stuff is also well worth checking out.
Steeleye Span are the greatest folk-rock band ever... Maddy Prior was blessed with a beautiful voice, a fabulous personality and looks, every member of the band was incredibly talented, they've been going for nearly half a century, which goes to prove that quality is for ever......you need to see much much more of them...
I've sung this song countless times - Span still close every concert with it to this day. It's actually a conflation of two English trad folk songs ("Farewell He" and "Green Willow"). Still a great band, with only Maddy remaining from this era, but well worth seeing live. Incidentally, Maddy's dad wrote for Z Cars, Softly Softly and Blakes Seven on that there telly.
Steeleye Span is one of the greatest Folk Rock bands of all time, and my favorite band, in general... They've spanned 4-5 decades from the 70s to present, and are still going relatively strong... While it's primarily [historical / Victorian] British folk music set to electric rock instrumentals / vocals, they do a bit of a cappella ["Gaudete"], Country ["Demon of the Well"], some Irish / Celtic inspired stuff ["Ca the Ewes," and various jigs/reels, etc.]. They run the gamut from light and whimsical ["The Fox," "Skewball"] to fairly dark/heavy ["King Henry," "Lord Randall," "You Will Burn"], and some transgressive "love 'em and leave 'em" stuff ["Go From My Window," "Seventeen Come Sunday," "Gentleman Soldier," "Bonny Black Hare," "Brisk Young Butcher," etc.]. Definitely check out more of their stuff. :)
I only knew this song then, but I liked it. Steeleye Span was one of those so called "Folk-Rock" bands in the UK, beside Fairport Convention and others.
If you have only just now learned of this band, then you have just been inconvenienced, because you will need to set aside many months with well stocked hours of listening just for this band, as you will surely get dragged into the current, and you will also learn of the other associated bands. But one day we will catch up, so it is rumored. Some bands names I would mention, but it would add to a burden already too great. Steeleye span has about a million albums and they're so solid, you hardly skip any songs, theyre all super potent
I'm very happy to see you commented on one of my all time favourite female singers. Maddy Prior is absolutely amazing, like you said: her attitude is very pleasant. There is much more of this band to enjoy. Other people already suggested Thomas the Rhymer. Here is a live performance where Maddy is many years older but even more beautiful on stage, as you can see she doesn't care at all about the way she is dressed. Her beautiful eyes and voice are hypnotising. ua-cam.com/video/gyQy-ixV36A/v-deo.html And here is what the song is about. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Rhymer
Thomas the Rhymer and Seven Hundred Elves are their other rockier, even heavyish, sounding songs from the album Now We Are Six. Definitely worth a listen
Traditional Folk to Folk Rock and they could get quite heavy at times. I saw them live about a dozen times between 1971 and 1976 with rarely the same lineup
I love this vid. Maddy Prior has the cheekiest eyebrows (If that can be a thing?). I have a YT playlist titled Woke Up in My Head, for "Those songs you find yourself singing, that popped into your head while in the shower or whatever, and keep coming back all day." This vid is on it. Sadly, although I loved Led Zep's Gallows Pole, and was aware of Folk Rock, I never took much of an interest as I was obsessed with guitar heroics at the time. I believe the idea was not so much anti-American, as an attempt to be proactive in reviving British traditions into popular culture, rather than blindly following outside cultures. But with amps!
a very unlikely song to chart at the time considering glam rock coming to an end and disco was the in coming thing but it one of those refreshing tunes remembered by all great song choice
English folk music is so rarely heard that people assume it's Celtic. I love the narrative he may well be deluded but doth the lady protest too much? 😁
The first concert I ever went to was July 1973 at The Forum in Los Angeles. Steeleye Span opened for Jethro Tull on their Passion Play tour. Steeleye Span was so different but very very good. Those were the days..... concert tickets cost $4.50, $5.50, and if you could afford the good seats $6.50 a ticket. 🙃
American here: I love this band, so much great music. Maddy is one of my very favorite singers.
Great choice by Stephen Qualtrough.
Steeleye Span are a legendary folk rock band who had Fairport Convention connections through Ashley Hutchings who was a founding member of both groups. But the real powerhouses of the group were Maddy Prior and Tim Hart although they've had many illustrious members. The band started in 1969 and is still in existence and Maddy is the ever present member. She is of course a fantastic vocalist.
The band used to hold the record for the biggest audience at Nottingham University which was eventually beaten by Wings debut gig there.
The band did not take their name because of Steely Dan, they are named after a character in a folk song. However, Steely Dan did challenge them to some kind of contest with the winner being able to use their name in America. As far as I know, Steeleye just ignored them.
They are a great band with great songs, great arranging skills and great musicianship and performances. Definitely a band I have a lot of time for although that reminds me that I need to complete my album collection. They are that good.
Finally, for Brits of a certain age, Maddy once told me that her father used to write Z Car scripts.
Saw them three times last year (some Covid issues contributing to that unusual situation). Fantastic with Violeta Vicci on violin - her solo stuff is also well worth checking out.
This band continues to perform and Maddy and crew are simply awesome!
Steeleye Span are the greatest folk-rock band ever... Maddy Prior was blessed with a beautiful voice, a fabulous personality and looks, every member of the band was incredibly talented, they've been going for nearly half a century, which goes to prove that quality is for ever......you need to see much much more of them...
I think you will find that the Greatest Ever is actually Fairport Convention
No, I think you will find it was Steeleye Span!!
Steeleye Span was one of my favs growing up. Saw them live and they were brilliant. Rock and folk fusion with incredible harmonies.
An old English folk song. The green willow refers to the fact the lady was showing she was engaged
Still as good know as it was when it first came out love it ❤❤❤
Wow, haven't heard this in a long time. Maddy's voice is sooo uniquely satisfying.
I've sung this song countless times - Span still close every concert with it to this day. It's actually a conflation of two English trad folk songs ("Farewell He" and "Green Willow"). Still a great band, with only Maddy remaining from this era, but well worth seeing live. Incidentally, Maddy's dad wrote for Z Cars, Softly Softly and Blakes Seven on that there telly.
Steeleye Span is one of the greatest Folk Rock bands of all time, and my favorite band, in general... They've spanned 4-5 decades from the 70s to present, and are still going relatively strong...
While it's primarily [historical / Victorian] British folk music set to electric rock instrumentals / vocals, they do a bit of a cappella ["Gaudete"], Country ["Demon of the Well"], some Irish / Celtic inspired stuff ["Ca the Ewes," and various jigs/reels, etc.]. They run the gamut from light and whimsical ["The Fox," "Skewball"] to fairly dark/heavy ["King Henry," "Lord Randall," "You Will Burn"], and some transgressive "love 'em and leave 'em" stuff ["Go From My Window," "Seventeen Come Sunday," "Gentleman Soldier," "Bonny Black Hare," "Brisk Young Butcher," etc.].
Definitely check out more of their stuff. :)
I saw them in concert in 1974. They opened for Jethro Tull and stole the show. Joyful music.
Thats too hardcore, I would have spazz'd out
I call Steeleye Span electronic folk. I've loved their music for many years -- and Maddy Prior has the most amazing voice. I'm glad you liked it !
I only knew this song then, but I liked it. Steeleye Span was one of those so called "Folk-Rock" bands in the UK, beside Fairport Convention and others.
I have learned of them though Blood Ceremony, who cited Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, and Pentangle in their liner notes
Great band...I was lucky enough to see them once when both Maddy and Gay performed.
Thanks for this!! Love steeleye span ❤
If you have only just now learned of this band, then you have just been inconvenienced,
because you will need to set aside many months with well stocked hours of listening just for this band,
as you will surely get dragged into the current, and you will also learn of the other associated bands. But one day we will catch up, so it is rumored. Some bands names I would mention, but it would add to a burden already too great. Steeleye span has about a million albums and they're so solid, you hardly skip any songs, theyre all super potent
More Steeleye, great group!
I know I have heard their music before but hadn’t heard this one. Thanks Stephen and Harri for this joyful sound 🌺✌️
I'm very happy to see you commented on one of my all time favourite female singers. Maddy Prior is absolutely amazing, like you said: her attitude is very pleasant. There is much more of this band to enjoy. Other people already suggested Thomas the Rhymer. Here is a live performance where Maddy is many years older but even more beautiful on stage, as you can see she doesn't care at all about the way she is dressed. Her beautiful eyes and voice are hypnotising.
ua-cam.com/video/gyQy-ixV36A/v-deo.html
And here is what the song is about.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Rhymer
Oh the memories love it
I do remember the song ❤ Thank you Stephen and Harri 🎉😊❤
Thomas the Rhymer and Seven Hundred Elves are their other rockier, even heavyish, sounding songs from the album Now We Are Six. Definitely worth a listen
a song from my childhood.
Traditional Folk to Folk Rock and they could get quite heavy at times. I saw them live about a dozen times between 1971 and 1976 with rarely the same lineup
If you liked this one (and you DID) then I suggest you listen to Gaudete by this band. It's beautiful and unique.
That is a great one!
Hi Harri! Suggestion another great version "Status Quo & Maddy Prior - All around my hat" (Live).
Steeleye not Steely. She sings this in later days with Status Quo!
I love this vid. Maddy Prior has the cheekiest eyebrows (If that can be a thing?).
I have a YT playlist titled Woke Up in My Head, for "Those songs you find yourself singing, that popped into your head while in the shower or whatever, and keep coming back all day."
This vid is on it.
Sadly, although I loved Led Zep's Gallows Pole, and was aware of Folk Rock, I never took much of an interest as I was obsessed with guitar heroics at the time. I believe the idea was not so much anti-American, as an attempt to be proactive in reviving British traditions into popular culture, rather than blindly following outside cultures. But with amps!
That was definitely different. 🤔🤘
Please review "Somewhere along the road" by Steeleye. Or "The Boars head carol"
Was Peter Knight getting that fiddle to sound like a mandolin? :)😂
MADDY PRIOR is a goddess.
It’s “All Around My HAT”!
I knew both Maddy Prior and Tim Hart through a girlfriend of mine. They like the Fighting Cocks Pub , St Albans
It's Folk Rock
a very unlikely song to chart at the time considering glam rock coming to an end and disco was the in coming thing but it one of those refreshing tunes remembered by all great song choice
This is a political song concerning the English and Irish struggles.
No it isn't.
Nothing Irish about it at all.
MUst listen" Saucy Sailor, studio version
I think it's called all around my hat?
English folk music is so rarely heard that people assume it's Celtic. I love the narrative he may well be deluded but doth the lady protest too much? 😁
Is that band name a dig at the band Steely Dan ?
Steeleye Span were around at least 2 years before Steely Dan. The name Steeleye Span comes from a character in the traditional song "Horkstow Grange"
It was pronounced as steel-eye rather than steely, so no. Also earlier than them.
Also culturally miles away. I presume you know what steely dan was?
The commentator doesn’t have a clue as to what to say about the music that he’s just listened to. He is winging it, and talking out of his ass.
The first concert I ever went to was July 1973 at The Forum in Los Angeles. Steeleye Span opened for Jethro Tull on their Passion Play tour. Steeleye Span was so different but very very good. Those were the days..... concert tickets cost $4.50, $5.50, and if you could afford the good seats $6.50 a ticket. 🙃