Not to be in any confused with CCM stalwarts, Caedmon’s Call, this is Caedmon, a progressive, medieval folk, blues, Celtic, jazz quintet from Edinburgh University that unleashed a completely original and creative project embraced a both sides of the pond and both sides of the music realm, garnering great reviews in Christian and mainstream publications. The group started off as a trio of veterinary students that primarily performed traditional British folk tunes and Church hymns and spirituals. The group expanded, as did their repertoire. They played with Water Into Wine, After the Fire, Larry Norman among other Jesus Music artists of the 70’s in Britain. But like many contemporaries…they disappeared quickly. Though the desire for the music has prompted a few re-releases over the years. Whether it’s the Celtic like folky number, “Ten Maidens fair” that kicks off the album or the moody, folky jazz tune, “Man Maker” that follows, the production is top notch, the quality of musicianship, originality and harmonies are simply compelling. Male and female lead vocals trade off with each song and often within each song. But one of the more compelling aspects is the vocal arrangements. There is really a lot going on here. “Sea Song” starts off like an old British shanty, then moves into a progressive rock like instrumental section with a killer guitar solo. The beautifully returns to its roots. Other true stand out tracks include “Living in the Sunshine” and “Columbas’ Song.” This a truly a brilliant gem that most likely would appear much higher on this list of I didn’t come to it so much later in life. I assume if I had owned this throughout its life cycle it would appear much higher on this list. I expect complaints from many claiming it deserves a higher ranking and an equal amount revealing they have never heard of it. The latter would do well to track it down as a phenomenal re-release with vastly improved sonics took place in the past year or so.
Contributor David Lowman – https://legacyccmsgreatestalbums.wordpress.com/
Tracklist
1 – Ten Maidens Fair – 4:17
2 – Maker Man – 3:25
3 – Death Of A Fox – 4:18
4 – Sea Song – 5:35
5 – Aslan – 4:15
6 – Living In The Sunshine – 3:27
7 – Storm – 6:06
8 – Columba’s Song – 2:21
9 – Smile On Your Face – 4:35
10 – Caedmon’s Hymn – 4:15
11 – Give Me Jesus – 6:45
12 – Beyond The Second Mile – 4:15
Credits
Acoustic Guitar – Jim Bisset
Acoustic Guitar, Spoons [Spoon And Teacup] – Ken Patterson
Vocals – Angela Naylor
Vocals, Bass Guitar – Sam Wilson
Vocals, Electric Guitar – Jim Bisset
Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Other [etc] – Simon Jaquet
Vocals, Piano, Cello – Ken Patterson
Companies, etc.
Manufactured For – Nimbus
