Shining Bright. The Songs Of Mike & Lal Waterson.

Ever since I read Richard Thompson’s autobiography Beeswing earlier in the year, I have been determined to find a CD copy of a legendary album from 1972 which Richard spoke highly of. It is called Bright Phoebus by Mike & Lal Waterson. Vinyl copies do go on sale from time to time, but CD copies seem to be as rare as hens’ teeth. However, a few days ago when I was searching on eBay, I came across a compilation album that looked interesting. It is called Shining Bright, The Songs Of Mike & Lal Waterson. It was only £3.50 inc P&P, so I bought it. That is what I have been listening to for the last couple of days, and it is a very enjoyable album indeed. 

There are fifteen tracks here by various artists including some of my favourite singers. Three of the songs are versions of material written for Bright Phoebus and there are twelve other songs written by Lal and Mike but not previously recorded. This collection was released in 2002. Sadly, Lal died in 1998, so she doesn’t appear on this album, but her brother Mike who passed away in 2011 does appear on one track as a member of Blue Murder. The album opens with a trad jazz type instrumental Bright Phoebus played by John Pashley’s New Orleans Parade Band. Then, an excellent bluesy folk ballad called Evona Darling by Linda & Teddy Thompson. I was pleased and surprised to see that the legendary Van Dyke Parks plays accordion and Hammond organ on this track. 

Scarecrow features the guitar and great voice of Dick Gaughan who I have previously written about on this blog site. Martin Carthy sings Never The Same accompanied by cello, two violins, viola and double bass in a wonderful arrangement by Robert Kirby. Martin’s wife Norma Waterson is next with Song For Thirza accompanied by Martin and daughter Eliza. The legend who is Christy Moore sings Piper’s Path with Donal Lunny and Declan Sinnott playing bouzouki and guitar. Child Among The Weeds is a great folk-rock song by The Eliza Carthy Band which shows the brilliance of Eliza’s fiddle playing. 

I must admit that I had not heard of Helen Watson & Heather Greenback before, but Shine is a wonderful song. Danny Rose is played by Billy Bragg & The Blokes. I was pleased to see that one of the blokes is Hammond organ player Ian McLagan of Small Faces fame. Winifer Odd features the vocals of Maddy Prior accompanied by Rosie & Rick Kemp. The Marvellous Companion has the great voice of Christine Collister with Lal’s son Oliver Knight on guitar. Kate Brislin & Jody Stecher are an American folk duo and recorded One Of Those Days in California. I had not heard of Dayteller before, but I knew their contribution Fine Horseman because the great Anne Briggs has also recorded it. The only track by Richard Thompson in this collection is a wonderful song called Red Wine & Promises which he recorded in Los Angeles. The final song is Bright Phoebus by Blue Murder which is a singalong featuring Martin Carthy on guitar with seven vocalists in support. It reminded me slightly of Ringo singing with the Beatles. No wonder Bright Phoebus has been described as the Sergeant Pepper of folk music. Shining Bright is a most enjoyable collection of songs and a fine tribute to the song writing of Mike & Lal Waterson. It has made me more determined than ever to get hold of a copy of Bright Phoebus. Watch this space!

The Watersons.