Tim Hart & Maddy Prior
Country of origin:
England
Type of music generally:
Traditional English folk
Status:
No longer recording as a duo. Both went on to other projects.
See also:
Both have played with Steeleye Span and done solo work.See The Ectophiles' Guide entries for Steeleye Span, Maddy Prior, and Silly Sisters
Covers/own material:
Traditional English folksongs
Comparisons:
Martin Carthy, Pentangle's and Steeleye Span's traditional material. (Neile)
General comments:
This work is acoustic, unlike the rock arrangements Steeleye Span does. Lovely, pure and simple renditions of folk songs with Tim Hart's arrangements and Maddy Prior's stunning voice. They're a great duo, and I like the acoustic sound of the two of them together. (Neile)
Recommended first album:
Any, though Summer Solstice is probably the best recorded of the three. (Neile)
Recordings:
Folk Songs of Olde England Vol 1
Release info:
1968; reissued 1991—Mooncrest Records, Twyman House, 31-39 Camden Road, London NW1 9LF, U.K.— CRESTCD 006)
Availability:
U.K., and U.S. stores that carry indie imports
Ecto priority:
Must have for lovers of Steeleye Span & English folk. (Neile)
Group members:
Tim Hart, Maddy Prior
Produced by:
Tony Pike
Comments:
Wonderful songs, good arrangements. Worth paying U.K. or import prices for. Songs include "Maid That's Deep in Love", "Babes in the Wood" and "Who's the Fool Now". (Neile)
Folk Songs of Olde England Vol. 2
Release info:
1968; reissued 1991—Mooncrest Records, Twyman House, 31-39 Camden Road, London NW1 9LF, U.K.—CRESTCD 010
Availability:
U.K., and U.S. stores that carry indie imports
Ecto priority:
Must have for lovers of Steeleye Span & English folk. (Neile)
Group members:
Tim Hart, Maddy Prior
Produced by:
Tony Pike
Comments:
Again, wonderful songs. Maddy Prior's voice in wonderful shape. Songs include "Earl Richard", "The Gardener", "Copshawholme Fair" and "Queen Eleanor's Confession". (Neile)
Summer Solstice
(as Maddy Prior & Tim Hart)Release info:
Reissued 1991—Shanachie Records—79046
Availability:
Wide in U.S.
Ecto priority:
Must have for lovers of Steeleye Span & English folk. (Neile)
Group members:
Maddy Prior—vocals
Tim Hart—vocals, guitar, dulcimer, harmonium, psaltery, tabor
Guest artists:
Andy Irvine—mandolin
John Ryan—string bass
Gerry Conway—percussion, bells
Pat Donaldson—electric bass
Robert Kirby—string arrangement
Produced by:
Sandy Robertson
Comments:
Has an early (and very different from the later Steeleye Span) version of "False Knight On The Road" and lots of other good songs, especially "I Live Not Where I Love" and Tim Hart's vocals on "The Ploughboy and the Cockney". The sound is a little more polished here than the two previous albums. A delight to listen to for folk fans everywhere. (Neile)
