Fairport, Gottle O'Geer, LP UK Island Records (May 1976) - ILPS 9389

The appearance is that of a late-career album, the compositions have no originality despite the multiple collaborations, among which that of the Breton guitarist Dan Ar Bras stands out. Compared to its origins, the group is now halved: with Swarbrick, Dave Pegg and Bruce Rowlands remain, who replaced Mattacks on percussion. The name is also halved: Fairport. The cover, a beautiful graphic by Paul Warren, represents a sad jester.

L'apparenza è quella di un album di fine carriera, le composizioni non hanno originalità nonostante le molteplici collaborazioni, tra cui spicca quella del chitarrista bretone Dan Ar Bras. Rispetto alle origini il gruppo è ora dimezzato: con Swarbrick rimangono Dave Pegg e Bruce Rowlands, che ha sostituito Mattacks alle percussioni. Dimezzato è anche il nome: Fairport. La copertina, una bella grafica di Paul Warren, rappresenta un giullare triste.

Tracks Side A: When First Into This Country (Trad. Arr. Dave Pegg) 2'27" - Our Band (Dave Swarbrick) 2'01" - Lay Me Down Easy (Dave Swarbrick / Bruce Rowland) 5'15" - Cropredy Capers (Dave Swarbrick / Bruce Rowland / Dave Pegg) 3'10" - The Frog Up The Pump (Trad. Arr. Dave Pegg) 3'12"

Tracks Side B: Don't Be Late (Dave Swarbrick / Bruce Rowland) 3'21" - Sandy's Song (Sandy Denny) 3'34" - Friendship Song (Benny Gallagher / Graham Lyle) 3'00" - Limey's Lament (Dave Swarbrick / Bruce Rowland) 4'35"

Musicians: Dave Swarbrick: Vocals, Fiddle, Viola, Acoustic Guitar, Mandocello, Mandolin, Autoharp, Electric Dulcimer - Dave Pegg: Bass Guitar, Mandolin, Backing Vocals - Bruce Rowland: Drums, Percussion, Piano, Organ, Backing Vocals with Simon Nicol: Electric Guitar (Track 9) - Martin Carthy: Acoustic Guitar (Track 4) - Eric Johns: Electric Guitar (Tracks 1, 7) - Ian Wilson: Electric Guitar (Track 4) - Nick Judd: Piano (Tracks 2, 6) - Robert Palmer: Harmonica, Backing Vocals (Track 6) - Benny Gallagher: Accordion (Track 8), Backing Vocals (Tracks 2, 6, 9) - Graham Lyle: Dobro (Track 8), Backing Vocals (Tracks 2, 6, 8) - Jimmy Jewel: Saxophone (Track 6) - Henry Lowther: Trumpet, Fluegel Horn (Track 6) - Bob Brady: Backing Vocals (Track 6) - Roger Burridge: Backing Vocals (Track 6)

Recorded:Tracks 1, 3 recorded February 1976 at Sawmills Studios, Golant, Nr Fowey, Cornwall. Engineered by Tony Co - Most others recorded March 1976 at Island Studios, Hammersmith. Engineered by Simon Nicol - Assistant Engineer: Dick Cuthell - Produced by:Bruce Rowland - Remixed by:Simon Nicol and Dick Cuthell at Island - Mastered by:Melvyn Abrahams at I.C.B. - Sleeve Design Idea:Paul Warren - Illustration: Eckford/Stimpson with acknowledgment to Norman Rockwell