Even if it wasn’t so strong, with classics such as “Dirty Linen” and “Sloth” among its tracks, 1970’s “Full House” would stand out in FAIRPORT CONVENTION‘s canon, because this platter was their first to not feature female lead – as Sandy Denny followed Judy Dyble in leaving the ensemble to seek fuller realization in other music ventures – and first with Dave Pegg in the ranks, and it would be their last with Richard Thompson in the line-up. But it was strong, ringing down the years to such an extent that 2022 Cropredy festival saw the band perform the album in its entirety.
That event was supposed to celebrate the record’s 50th anniversary, yet had to be postponed due to pandemics – and still, it was glorious, given the musicians who played it there and then were the same who laid it down back in the day, with a longtime fiddler Chris Leslie standing in for the fallen Dave Swarbrick. Of course, the show was preserved for posterity and will be released on March 24th – titled “Full House For Sale” and featuring not only the artists reproducing an old photo of them on the cover but also the original order of pieces, with a usual finale appended to end the concert in the most triumphant fashion. A great stage document from a great group.
Full House For Sale
1. Walk Awhile
2. Doctor Of Physick
3. Dirty Linen
4. Sloth
5. Sir Patrick Spens
6. Flatback Caper
7. Poor Will And The Hangman
8. Flowers Of The Forest
9. Jenny’s Chickens / Mason’s Apron
