Movie spotlight
Steeleye Span: Featuring Maddy Prior
British electric folk veterans Steeleye Span perform a lively set of eight tunes in this 1989 concert from their "Tempted and Tried" tour. Captured during the band's 20th anniversary, the show features vocals by founding member Maddy Prior. The set list includes "Following Me," "Thomas the Rhymer," "Black Jack Davy," "Padstow," "All Around My Hat," "Shaking of the Sheets" and "Jack Hall Gaudette."
Insights
Plot Summary
This live concert film captures the influential British folk-rock band Steeleye Span at the height of their powers. Featuring Maddy Prior's distinctive vocals, the performance showcases the band's unique blend of traditional folk melodies with electric instrumentation and progressive rock arrangements. The setlist includes fan favorites and demonstrates their innovative approach to revitalizing folk music for a new generation.
Critical Reception
As a live recording and film, critical reception often focuses on the band's performance energy and musical prowess. Reviewers generally praised Steeleye Span's ability to translate their complex studio sound to a live setting, highlighting Maddy Prior's commanding stage presence and the band's skilled musicianship. It is seen as a strong representation of their innovative folk-rock sound during a prolific period.
What Reviewers Say
Captures the band's powerful live energy and innovative folk-rock sound.
Praises Maddy Prior's strong vocal performance and stage presence.
Highlights the effective fusion of traditional folk with electric instrumentation.
Google audience: Audience reviews often express appreciation for the faithful rendition of Steeleye Span's classic songs in a live concert setting. Fans frequently point to the energy of the performance and the enduring appeal of Maddy Prior's voice as major highlights. The film is considered a valuable document of the band's impact on the folk music scene.
Fun Fact
The filming of this concert occurred during a period when Steeleye Span was experimenting with more progressive and rock-oriented sounds, marking a significant phase in their artistic evolution.
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