Fresh from the Earth

Description

Fresh from the Earth is the debut album by the British folk-rock band Reynard, released on Grapevine in 1976 (actually the new label’s second album). The album was recorded at Canon Sound Studio in Chester, England; with John Pac of Parchment fame producing. Reynard features Mal Eden, Andy Wood, Rob Jones and Dave Rycroft (David being the cousin of Keith Rycroft of Parchment fame). Prior to 1975 they were known as Flight. Reynard headlined at Kamperland in Holland, 1978, along with Parchment.

Any group that names itself after a fox in medieval folklore certainly can’t be all that humdrum. As it turns out, this British outfit is one of the few Christian bands to explore the Scots-Irish electric folk-rock style popularized by artist like Steeleye Span, Pentangle, Richard Thompson and Fairport Connection. The lyrics of the opening «Well Met» introduce the members of the group and their instruments: Mal Eden (guitars, mandolin), Andy Wood (whistles, bongos), Rob Jones (bass, recorders) and Dave Rycroft (guitar, mandolin, bass). Many of their songs are in a minor key, often with lamenting tone: «Faith, Hope, Love», «Lord Of The Blood», «My Song», «The Fiddler», «The Juggler And The Clown», the voices-only «Greenwood Gamble» (which also shows their ecological concerns). Others like «Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh» and the traditional «Shepherd’s Carol» are bright chipper and folksy. A few light psych effects sprinkled about: phased strummed electric guitar on «Summer And Winter», fuzz and wah-wah on «Abram And Isaac». Also a short fuzz instrumental of Beethoven’s «Ode To Joy» and an acappella version of the traditional «Golden Game» (also covered by Parchment on their Rehearsal For A Reunion). «Beginnings» closes the album with its optimistic lyrical 12-string melody. Members of Parchmen assist on production, backing vocals and drums. Wood also drew the handsome orange and brown cover illustration of a fox. A wonderful record, but soon to be eclipsed by their follow-up Green Anthem. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th Edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Well Met”
A2. “Ode To Joy”
A3. “Summer And Winter”
A4. “Faith Hope And Love”
A5. “Greenwood Gamble”
A6. “Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh”
A7. “Abram And Isaac”

Side Two
B1. “Shepherds’ Carol”
B2. “Song For A Carpenter”
B3. “Golden Game”
B4. “Lord Of The Blood”
B5. “My Song”
B6. “The Fiddler, The Juggler And The Clown”
B7. “Beginnings”

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Grapevine.

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CREDITS. Produced by John Pac. Recorded at Canon Sound Studio, Chester, England. Album Design by Andy Wood. Photographs by John Mason. Pilgrim Records – Marshall, Morgan and Scott.

Musicians: Mal Eden (Lead and Backing Vocals, Guitars, Mandolin), Andy Wood (Lead and Backing Vocals, Whistles, Bongos), Dave Rycroft (Lead and Backing Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Bass), Rob Jones (Backing Vocals, Bass, Recorders). Additional Musicians: Pete Yates-Round (Drums, Backing Vocals), Sue McClellan (Backing Vocals).