Wizz Jones - Magical Flight

User Rating:

Not Yet Rated

Track List: Magical Flight

More Wizz Jones CDs and Albums

Album Details: Magical Flight

Release Date:
UPC:

Pro Reviews: Magical Flight

EXPERT RATING:

From AMG Reviews

In folk collectors circles, the original LP of this album fetches a three-figure price tag. Reissued on CD it is, thankfully, more financially possible to hear the magnificent work of this English singer/songwriter. The obscure British folk revival artist's friends and fans may include Ralph McTell and the Incredible String Band, the most prominent buddy being one Burt Jansch, and the pair have often tipped hats to each other throughout their long careers. On this '70s LP, Jones followed a similar direction to Jansch by including small band backing, when he was previously a dogmatic voice/guitar performer. This adds a little lushness to his sound, and a gentle rhythmic propulsion that brings to mind the Pentangle. Like Jansch and John Renbourn, he maintains a cathartic edginess even in the most gentle songs -- deceptively heavy listening. "See How the Time Is Flying" is absolutely Ralph McTell, but, incidentally, Wizz Jones was pioneering this folk revival sound as early as 1958, and on hearing his astonishing guitar technique and vocal delivery, his students certainly included Roy Harper and Ralph McTell. Not until the late '90s would his stunning albums, the rocky Right Now and stripped-back solo acoustic collection Dazzling Stranger, appear in the U.S.A., thanks to Massachusetts independent Scenescoff. Magical Flight is an exquisite production from the '70s that may have slid under the carpet at the time, but it is no less than a vital chapter in the British folk scene.

- Skip Jansen, All Music Guide

Related Artists

Similar Artists

Roots & Influences

Followers

Wizz Jones Biography

The English folk scene with its many leaves and branches are traceable to a few, gnarly yet enduring taproots. Along with the Watersons, and Davy Graham, guitarist Wizz Jones is one of them. While virtually unknown in America in this sorry age, Jones...Full Wizz Jones Biography