Notes

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This two-CD set is comprised of two albums recorded by Simon Nicol. The first is 1987's Before Your Time and the other is Consonant Please Carol from 1992. Although both albums are competent, Before Your Time is far and away the winner of the two. It contains a number of songs showcasing both Nicol's songwriting skills and his vocal talents. He sounds a bit like a cross between Gordon Lightfoot and Ian Anderson. Several of the tracks on that release are songs which have since become mainstays of Nicol's band, Fairport Convention's live set. Taken by itself, that album goes well toward the excellent side of good. The second disc certainly brings the set down; it does not show the sense of style and quality of the first, nor is it nearly as consistent. Still, the collection is a good deal, even if you just really add the first album to your regular listening regimen

Simon Nicol - Santa Cruz acoustic, Vanden mandolin, Yamaha 365SE acoustic, Rickenbacker 12-string, Fender Stratocaster, Rob Armstrong Hi-strung, Guild 12-string, nylon strung 19th century parlour guitar, backing vocals, Martin 00-18 acoustic guitar
Maartin Allcock - Rob Armstrong fretless bass, accordion, Roland U20, Roland JV80, Roland D50, Squier 5-string bass, Lowden LSE1 acoustic guitar
Gerry Conway - Drums, percussion
Sheryl & Sheila Parker with Pete Zorn - backing vocals
Grant Bowden - drums
Tim Matyear - percussion
Maggie Reilly - lead vocal
Sir Danny Thompson - Victoria the string bass
Beryl Marriott - Roland fp8 electronic piano