WOODEN O - A HANDEFUL OF PLEASANT DELITES - UK VINYL ON MIDDLE EARTH
£
40
$
53
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Description
Here is a lovely UK copy of the intriguing but rarely seen A Handeful of Pleasant Delites by Wooden O on the sought after Middle Earth label from 1969.
The first pressing disc is in fabulous EX condition, having been barely played over the years. Both Middle Earth labels are perfect with no writing or sticker damage and barely any indication of use; there is little sign of any spindle marks and absolutely no wear around the spindle hole. Both sides of the vinyl retain their original sheen and show only the lightest of surface marks visible when examined under strong halogen lighting.
The fully laminated single sleeve is in VG+/EX- condition with no unwanted writing, no rips or sticker damage and a few light creases and some light hard-to-see age-related foxing here and there.
A Handeful of Pleasant Delites is the only known album by England's Wooden O. While critics at the time reviewed it as a kind of progressive folk music, the tunes were more deeply influenced by progressive jazz and baroque than anything else. Led by recorder player James Harpham, the rest of the ensemble played mandolin (Hugo Dalton), double bass (Arthur Watts), harp (David Snell and second recorder (Christopher Taylor).
All of the pieces are gorgeously played and arranged -- most notable is the opener, Toy Tune, in which the recorder melodies play a sort of head and then go forth to melodically improvise like crazy. Dance Tune is a lush combination of Italian Renaissance melody and jazz improvisation. Watts' double bass is the perfect ground for this music because he swings no matter what he plays. There is also a Bach concerto, entitled simply Concerto, arranged by the band to weave British theatre music, salon music, and jazz into the heart of pre-classical music.
The second side is just as astonishing as the first, beginning with Watts' driven double bass on Maypole. The two recorders play in harmonic counterpoint and offer a sense of true flight before the improvisation begins in a call-and-response way between the bass and the recorders. The jazzy backwoods stroll of Sweet-Bedded is a deeply reflective and moving piece as Snell's harp creates a countermelody that bridges the recorders.
The bottom line on A Handeful of Pleasant Delites is that freak folk fans may be interested because of the craft and gentleness of the tunes, but those interested in chamber jazz will find this both eye-opening and utterly enjoyable.
Tracks: Side One - The Lesson
Toy Tune
Pipe Tune
Sad Tune
Dance Tune
Walking Tune
Concerto
Side Two - Lover's Progress
Maypole
Overtures (Improvisation)
Sweet-Bedded
Arise
Fayne Would
It Was
Away
Good luck if you are bidding - I carefully pack vinyl using professional packaging and post with the disc removed from the sleeve to prevent knifing during transit.
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