Shirley Collins & Davy Graham

Country of origin:

England

Type of music generally:

Traditional folk

Status:

Only release as a duo, Folk Roots, New Routes (1964). Shirley Collins's most recent release is Lodestar (2016)

See also:

Shirley Collins' site

Wikipedia's entry on Shirley Collins

Wikipedia's entry on Dav(e)y Graham

Comparisons:

This is considered a landmark album—others followed it. Shirley Collin's singing style is somewhat like Annie Briggs'; Davy Graham's guitar style is like John Renbourn's Bert Jansch's and Martin Carthy's (or perhaps that should be vice versa?).

Covers/own material:

Traditional

General comments:

When they made this album, Shirley Collins and Davy Graham had been playing live for quite a while, and they mesh together so beautifully it's startling that this is their only collaboration. Both artists had long careers with other artists and groups in the decades that followed this partnership; Shirley Collins had already produced three solo albums before it. However, for both of them, this is my favourite moment of their music. (Neile)

Recommended first album:

Folk Roots, New Routes is their sole release as a duo

Recordings:

Folk Roots, New Routes (1964)

Folk Roots, New Routes

Release info:

1964—Decca

Availability:

U.K.

Ecto priority:

Essential for fans of traditional folk

Group members:

Shirley Collins—vocals; banjo (3)
Davy Graham—guitar

Produced by:

Ray Horricks

Comments:

One for fans of stripped-down folk. I've had other discs of Shirley Collins' that didn't stick around, but this combination is lovely and fresh early '60s traditional folk. The combination of of Collin's somewhat misty vocals and Davy Graham wonderful guitar work and this strong selection of English ballads is magical. A wonderful reissue! (neile@sff.net)