Across The Purple Sky

Bryony Holden has released a tribute album to Sandy. It was released digitally on the 35^th anniversary of Sandy’s death (21 April) and is well worth checking out on itunes.

It’s also available as a CD on demand from Amazon US (but not UK).

Bryony writes:

“Across The Purple Sky was a labour of love, a joy of a project. For as long as I can remember, people have made comparisons between my voice and Sandy’s and although they are not the same, there are similarities. I grew up in the 1960s, and Sandy was, of course, one of the hub of influences from those paisley patterned, patchouli-scented times. I'd remained determined NOT to make a tribute for so many years but eventually gave up resisting the many requests as it seemed the time was finally right. My sister, Erin, was more than up for the task and not only lent her fine instrumental skills, but produced, mixed and mastered the project. Trying to touch on so many aspects of Sandy's work, we chose the tracks to span as much as possible in a short space, covering some of her work with Fotheringay and with Fairport. It was almost impossible to choose and we recorded more than the ten on the album. At some point, it is likely to be produced as a full CD… and those extra tracks will be added. What an amazing performer… what an amazing woman. Sandy Denny, much loved and respected muse… thank you.”

In other news, Dave Swarbrick has given an  interview to folk blogger Emma Hartley. He talks about Sandy, among other topics, reminding us how difficult it was for him to do the tribute shows in 2008 and 2012: “You’ve got to understand, I have never got over her dying.”

There was also an event at Banbury Folk Club on 19 June, “Linda Watkins and Friends Sing Sandy”, which sounded interesting for anyone in the Oxfordshire area.