Tag Archives: The North star Grassman and the ravens

Sandy Denny: The North Star Grassman and the Ravens

In September 1971, “Island” label released “The North Star Grassman and the Ravens”, the debut Sandy Denny solo album. It was recorded March – May 1971, at “Sound Techniques” and “Island Studios” in London, and was produced by Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson and John Wood.

Personnel:

  • Sandy Denny – lead vocals, acoustic guita, piano
  • Jerry Donahue- electric guitar
  • Richard Thompson- vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, accordion, bass
  • Trevor Lucas- acoustic guitar
  • Buddy Emmons- pedal steel guitar
  • Pat Donaldson- bass
  • Tony Reeves- bass
  • Gerry Conway- drums
  • Roger Powell – drums
  • Ian Whiteman – piano, flute organ
  • Barry Dransfield- violin
  • Royston Wood, Robin Dransfield – backing vocals
  • Harry Robinson- string arrangements

Track listing:

All tracks by Sandy Denny except where noted

  1. Late November
  2. Blackwaterside – traditional.
  3. The Sea Captain
  4. Down in the Flood – Bob Dylan
  5. John the Gun
  6. Next Time Around
  7. The Optimist
  8. Let’s Jump the Broomstick – Charles Robins
  9. Wretched Wilbur
  10. The North Star Grassman and the Ravens
  11. Crazy Lady Blues

Sandy Denny

On April 21, 1978, Alexandra Elene MacLean aka Sandy Denny died aged 31. She was singer and songwriter, member and lead singer of “Fairport Convention”, member of the British folk band the “Strawbs”, she formed the short-lived band “Fotheringay”. As solo artists Denny released four albums: “The North star Grassman and the ravens”, “Sandy”, “Like an old fashioned waltz” and “Rendezvous”.