Steeleye Span EST'D 1969 (CD)

(Park Records) 9 tracks, digisleeve with booklet

The most famous British folk band celebrates its birthday! Steeleye Span have been around for an incredible 50 years. The band around singer Maddy Prior release their 23rd studio album “Est'd 1969”.

Founded in 1969 by ex-Fairport Convention bassist Ashley Hutchings, the band was made up of well-known scene greats such as Maddy Prior, Tim Hart, Gay and Terry Woods and, alongside Fairport Convention and Pentangle, is one of the most important and influential representatives of the contemporary folk/rock genre.

Characteristic of Steeleye Span, who achieved top ten chart success with songs such as “All Around My Hat” and “Gaudete”, was and is the furious combination of traditional folk songs and rock sounds. The band also has one of the most extraordinary female voices on the scene in Maddy Prior.

This year, the band is celebrating its 50th anniversary. With over 2000 shows, 64 UK, 14 European and 12 US tours as well as one gold and four silver albums, Steeleye Span are more than a legend. They shaped this genre like no other band. Of course, there have also been a few line-up changes over the years. Of the founding members, only singer Maddy Prior and Liam Genockey are still with the band.

“Est'd 1969” once again combines original compositions and newly arranged traditional songs. The musical spectrum ranges from driving folk rock numbers to romantic, lyrical folk ballads. Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson can be heard as a special guest on the flute on this album.