Fairport Convention's Cropedy Festival 13th-14th August 1999
STAIR RODS
FROM HEAVEN
by Pete Turner
For once I decided to get there early and Colin Downer and I did. The pilgramage to Cropredy is an easy one now thanks to the Bypass at Newbury. Arriving at 12.15pm we get stuck in a queue to the camp site which moves slowly through the village. The reason is that due to heavy rain the fields around the Cherwell and the canal are flooded and therefore extra camp sites have been located on higher ground to the south of the village.
   The villlage, no bigger than Godshill has benefited from this gig. The local schools and football and cricket clubs have all gained from having the Fairports on their doorstep. After erecting the tent we head for ticket exchange, succesfully negotiating this we head for the bar. I have decided not to worry if I miss any of the acts. It don't matter as Chris Colley would say.
   Three pints of Summersault a really tastey ale and were off along the Oxford Union Canal for a visit to the Red Lion. We have already missed the first act, The Blazing Homesteads, but we are both impressed with Chris While and Julie Matthews. The latter being the author of Jewel In The Crown that track used by the Fairports. Both former members of the Albion Band someone on the Island was trying to put them on at the Riverside in Newport, on this performance it is easy to see why. (one for us to watch out for ).
   Following these were Jaqui McShee's Pentangle. A fine band who I thought we could book at Medina, but their set wouldn't suite the audience I'm afraid as I felt there music was very diverse. Any way the Red Lion is busy, a 14th century pub which is opposite the famous graveyard of Cropredy Church.
   There are always people sitting under the trees or on the grass that surrounds the old tombs and stones,there is never a hint of trouble or complaint from either locals or the church wardens. The pub is a small one with 4 little rooms. Each is packed with festival people. After a couple of pints it's up to the Brasenose Arms, which Colin has never visited before. A couple more pints its back to the site.
   We get there for very end of Cofa. Dave Swarbrick and Kevin Dempsey, sorry lads, but that's the beers fault. Next up the Dylan Project. This is really goodstuff and I suddenly thought we missed an opportunity to put them on to celebrate the Wootton Festival of 1969. John "Rabbit" Bundrick is excellent on the Hammond, P.J. Wright's pedal steel and slide guitar stuff is great.
   Then it starts, rain, falling down like Stairrods from Heaven. Richard Thompson is breathtaking. There is nothing that this man can't do. His set is punctuated with some fine guitar playing, he is accompanied by his son Teddy, on bass is the one and only Danny Thompson and a real blast from Isle of Wight Rock's past, Pete Zorn. A fine set which even the rain didn't ruin.
   We didn't stick around for Barrage so we headed for the tent, The rain was falling heavier than ever and Colin spent along time trying to locate the tent. We eventually discovered we've been searching in the wrong row and once we find it we then have to struggle with the sleeping bags etc. Next thing I know it's morning. The birds are singing the sun is shining. What more can you want. Another pint of Summersault.
Sunshine and Showers
After rising and looking for dry clothes we make our way to the tow path by the canal and head for the Banbury and District boat house where we breakfast. This is part of the ritual. Sitting in brilliant sunlight watching the canal boats heading for who knows where. Car boot sale, then to Church.
   With time to kill we wander around the church which has stood in some form from around 1050AD. Of course this area has a pedigree, Cropredy was the site of a battle during the civil war in 1644 and this is recalled in Ralph McTells song Red and Gold.
   Out of the pub and up to the Brasenose, then back to the Red Lion and then out to the cricket club. Then it's to the site to catch Barrage. Although we missed them last night we get a good dose of Canadian fiddle. They have no less than seven violin players and they step dance their way through a set which covers Cajun, Celtic and traditional music. Well worth a visst if they are near you.
   Then it's that wonderful performer Anna Ryder. Anna captivated the audience at The Medina in March and she did it to the Cropredy faithfull. Her personality and the strength of her songs plus her ability to charm the audience is really enjoyable. Check out her tour diary which details the in and outs of the Fairport Winter Tour of 1999.

   I decide to give the Paul Mitchell Band a miss, sorry but I was hungry. Back to the village for a Cornish Pastey and a pint. Then it decides to rain, Colins back at the tent I'm in the Pavilion (where I usually am at cricket matches).

   When the rain stops I make my way back to the site, Ralph McTell is singing ' From Here To Clare ' as I leg it across the adjacent fields. Ralph performed a brilliant set at Medina Theatre earlier in the year and this afternoons is no exception. I decide it's time for a rest and use my massive sheet of plastic that Chris Colley donated for the first time. I fall a sleep.
   The Robbie McIntosh Band wake me with something to do with "Have you ever seen Dallas from the seat of a DC9." I think I saw Robbie McIntosh with Paul McCartney at Knebworth some years ago. Whatever it don't matter. His band are tight and rocky and they are a welcome change to all the usual Cropredy acts. Full marks to the Peggs for breaking up the music and getting you're taste buds ready for the Grand Finale.
   First though, there is the little matter of the football results. Everyone who has an interest in a team from East Fife to Blackpool, Arsenal to Queen of the South prick up their ears as the results are read out. Cambridge United 3 Reading 1 means that my boys have lost and they can sleep easy on their fat pay packets for another week. I didn't win the raffle either. But, it don't matter.
   Up next is Maddy Prior, late of Steeleye Span, I am particularly interested in her set as I feel she could be worth booking. Ravenchild is her latest offering. There is only three of them and they get a good sound. Interesting stories between songs (what I could catch of them to many noisy people gibbering away behind me). Nevertheless Maddy Prior does interest me, but the Ravenchild epic does go on a bit. Perhaps not a festival number but more for a smaller more intense setting. Fine guitar and Uillean pipes.
   Well it's almost the end only one thing left to do . That settle down and watch Fairport. I'm not going to list every song, but here are some of the highlights:
   Anna Ryder playing French Horn during a lovely version of Sailing Boat, Jerry Donahue's spiraling guitar solos, Jerry Donhaue's daughter singing a Sandy Denny song (the title of which escapes me now). Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick with sadly a bottle of oxygen on stage. The false start of the Naked Highwayman and the pyrotechnics during Dangerous. Then there were the Dancers, and of course the sound. Over the two days the sound was brilliant.
   What more can I say. See you next year.
Pete Turner