6891. Fairport Convention - The Deserter
From: Liege & Lief ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk/Folk Rock This is another really interesting piece that is a folk rock arrangement of a traditional folk song: Roud 493; known as The Deserter and/or Ratcliffe Highway . From wot I can find, it was written sometime in either the 18th or 17th Century and has no definite author. One aspect about a lot of these old folk ballads is that most are based on a kernel of truth about some actual happening, although I do not know anything about if it is true of this one. The Deserter is one that Sandy Denny lent her beautiful voice to as lead vocalist, which, in my opinion is already a big win. However, though one should not be remissed in the great folk rock arrangement of the band. That floating time signature that is mostly in a waltz keeps the listener off balance somewhat, but helps to keep the attention of those beholding the story being told as to not let their regard for it to diminish. Hear The Deserter on YouTube. ...