Tudor Lodge ‎– Tudor Lodge (1970) [Reissue 1994]

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Tudor Lodge ‎– Tudor Lodge (1970) [Reissue 1994]

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Tudor Lodge is an English folk music ensemble, which was formed in 1968, featuring John Stannard and Roger Strevens.Teaming up with manager Karl Blore towards the end of 1970, Tudor Lodge signed by Vertigo Records and their first album released in 1971: Tudor Lodge on Vertigo Records., after which the band played at larger venues, including the Cambridge Folk Festival and the Weeley Festival in Clacton. Weeley attracted 150,000 people and including Mungo Jerry, Barclay James Harvest, Mott the Hoople, the Pink Fairies and Brinsley Schwarz in the line-up.

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Tudor Lodge ‎– Tudor Lodge (1970) [Reissue 1994]

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There is something very special about the british folk-boom of the 60's and 70's. Sure, the boom was not all british but came to be in parts all over the world. But for me it's the british folk-scene that is most intriguing and brings me to think of green pastures, meadows, the past, love and death, hardship and amazing musicianship. I am a great fan of Pentangle, Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span (to name but a few, though well known bands). But there are also great albums from other constellations, lesser knownor with a lifespan considerably shorter, like Tudor Lodge.
I've been slightly hesitant towards Tudor Lodge. From what I had heard it really wasn't quite what I was looking for in british folk, being slightly too american for my taste. At least that was my conception. Now, in possession of the Repertoire papersleeve reissue, I find myself nodding in recognition of my fears but also acknowledging the fact that it was not so american as I'd thought.

Surely there are american nods on here but not in a totally unattractive way, as on the Baby Whale album. The sounds of the british isles blend very well with the ever so slightly spiced americana, creating a very cohesive sound and record. I wish there would have been more of the traditionally sounding british prog folk but then again, it actually sounds great.

The music on Tudor Lodge is very mellow, harmony drenched and dreamy. It sounds extremely professional and thought through. Considering the mere two weeks it took to record it I find myself baffled and in awe. I suppose the group must have been very tight, having played and rehearsed alot before entering the studio.

The instrumentation on the album is amazing. All kinds of acoustic playing can be heard, only once or twice becoming electrified. I am amazed, really. What I had thought before seem now like totally untrue. The truth is that Tudor Lodge is a great album, full of the folk I adore. This is classic and really comparable to other stars of the same era, though sounding in a really personal fashion, not copying any of it's peers in Pentangle, Fairport or whoever.

In short: Tudor Lodge delivers an album of amazing, delicate, gentle folk in a completely individual fashion. It's a shame (or is it a blessing?) they did not make another album at the time. On the other hand the impact seem so much greater now, the legacy more intriguing and mysterious. Although the album may be a footnote in the history of music it remains a vibrant footnote. If you're into this kind of stuff I really recommend you get hold of a copy. Like, now? Yes. Right now.

Review by GruvanDahlman

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Tudor Lodge ‎– Tudor Lodge (1970) [Reissue 1994]

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Tudor Lodge ‎– Tudor Lodge (1970) [Reissue 1994]

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