Steeleye Span formed in 1969 with former Fairport Convention member Ashley Hutchings, who recruited Tim Hart and Maddy Prior. He left in 1972, but Hart & Prior carried on with the support of a changing cast of other members. The group became one of the best-known bands of the day in the popular English genre of folk-rock, that day basically lasting into the late 80’s. Different formations of the band soldiered on for years after, however. They achieved international recognition and toured around the world including in the US. Their music – perhaps you could say their mission – was to take traditional English songs and ballads and revitalize them for the modern world.
Most, though not all, of the songs they did were recognizable from their roots, but modified with fresh arrangements incorporating guitars, drums, piano, bass, and other instruments. And there was that voice, Maddy Prior. Though not the sole singer of the group by any means, her outstanding vocals characterized much of the group’s work and gave rise to her fairly successful solo career.
All Around My Hat was the group’s eighth album and its most successful, certified gold. I’ll mention just three cuts from the album: The title song became a hit for them, their highest-charting single. The lead cut, “Black Jack Davy” is a traditional song-story of a high-born lady who forsakes her husband and family for the love of gypsy. The up-tempo, almost rock version of “Hard Times of Old England” is my personal favorite, a toe-tapping rouser.
Though they would turn out a total of about 15 albums (not counting several compilation albums) and remain a darling of fans of English folk/pop/rock to this day, they never again achieved the level of popularity of this album. Mobile Fidelity issued a half-speed remastered version of the album in 1980, which is the one to go for if you are so inclined. (Apparently it’s not extravagantly expensive on Discogs…)
The group’s other albums have excellent material on them as well. Their sixth album, Parcel of Rogues(1973), is another favorite of mine, the one that first caught my attention and made me a fan of the group. One of their many compilation albums might be of interest to those unacquainted with the group, and serve well as a good introduction to their outstanding catalog. (LP & CD, Chrysalis Records, 1975)