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Outside of a cult-like following in folk circles, Allan Taylor's virtually unknown in the US (though he probably has a little higher name recognition in his native England) ... I'd heard of him and actually had a friend who owned one of his mid-career albums, but I'm still not sure how a copy of his 1971 debut "Sometimes" ended up in a junk shop in the middle of a bad neighborhood in Washington, DC, but I grabbed it when I stumbled on it. (check out the email below)

Like many of his contemporaries, England's mid-1960s folk revival caught Allan Taylor's attention. Unlike most people, he took it to heart, dropping out of school at 17, getting a job managing a local Brighton folk club. He also became the club's resident act, over the next five years evolving into a gifted musician. He attracted the attention of Fairport Convention members, including fiddler Dave Swarbrick who in 1970 recommended Taylor as opening act for a Royal Albert Hall concert and subsequent UK tour.

Good reviews caught the attention of United Artists which promptly signed him to a deal. Backed by Swarbrick and fellow Fairport Convention alumnus's Dave Mattocks and Dave Pegg, 1971's "Sometimes" could easily have been mistaken for something out of Fairport's catalog. Propelled by Taylor's attractive voice, the album was full of pretty, pastoral English folk-oriented originals. Though clearly not a rock album, material like the title track, 'Song for Kathy' and 'The Pied Piper' was actually quite commercial and wouldn't have sounded bad on radio (particularly in an era that showcased sensitive singer/songwriters). While I liked Taylor's voice, to my ears his guitar playing was even better. The fact he was self taught was even more impressive. Accordingly, personal highlights included 'Our Captain Cried All Hands' and the weird instrumental 'Tudor Pop' (the latter showcasing Swarbrick's fiddle).

2.) Our Captain Cried All Hands (arranged by Shirley Collins - Dolly Collins) - 4:12

Hi BadCat

You have a note on Allan Taylor's Sometimes album, wondering how it appeared in DC.

My ex-husband and I lived in England at the time that album came out and were friends of Spud (Allan) and Kathy. In fact, we were at their wedding and also spent a lot of times in pubs etc listening to Spud perform. Of course we bought his albums.

Years later after a divorce, I had almost all our albums back in the US, but as time went by, and CDs became popular, I gave my albums to a friend who was interested in vinyl. As he works in DC, and has family in South Prince Georges County, I suspect he may have sold or traded some along the way.

I am going to think that album was once mine. ;-) and one way or 'tother, am glad it's in good hands.

Just thinking of my days of hanging out with some really marvelous musicians got me to Googling today. I had forgotten that Spud spelled Allan with two Ls. After seeing some Fairport on YouTube, I decided to google him and was glad to see he is still alive, and has become quite the professional. The serendipity of google got me to your site.

Best wishes - Maureen Reynolds

December, 2007