Heron - Heron

Heron - Heron
Dawn, 1970
Recorded in the Devonshire countryside
Produced by Heron

The Wellington Public Library has always been a good source for discovering music. A number of years ago, I came across a compilation of a British Folk group called Heron, whilst painstakingly trying to find something obscure to entertain myself! I saw the striking cover of four long-haired hippies and I thought I would try my luck. Unwittingly, I had just borrowed one of the most charming collection of recordings of the British folk scene.

Heron: The Dawn Anthology has two disks containing all the music this group record between 1970 and 1972. The first disk is comprised of their self-titled debut album and their second double album, 'Twice as Nice and Half the Price'. Although I enjoy both discs, the bands debut album is one of the more striking British folk records of the early seventies and the subject of today's blog.

Formed in Maidenhead in 1967, Heron were part of a wave of British folk groups like Fairport Convention and The Incredible String Band. Consisting of songwriters Tony Pook, Roy Apps, and Gerald Moore, Heron found the studio a negative environment and struggled to put their music on tape. In order to overcome this obstacle, Heron took the whole earthy, pastoral-folk to a whole new level and decided to record their debut in a field! You can hear the sounds of birds, the breeze and general noises of the English countryside all captured using basic recording equipment. Recording outside had been done before by Led Zeppelin and others, however, Heron were probably one of the first groups to record (please correct me if i am wrong!) an entire LP outside.

The album opens with 'Yellow Roses', A beautiful folk-pop tune, with a gorgeous and infectious melody. Easily the most commercial song on the LP, the subtle sound of birds chirping during the opening few bars which really sets the mellow mood of the album. The minimal instrumentation (mostly acoustic guitar, mandolin and piano) is perfectly completed with breezy three-part vocals and sing-along chorus. One of my all-time favourite songs, how 'Yellow Roses' wasn't a hit is completely beyond me!

The mellow vibe continues with the gorgeous 'Car Crash'. Reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel, 'Car Crash' is a short and sweet duet between Roy Apps and Tony Pook which is showcases the bands gift for melody and their intricate guitar picking. The guitars weave magically, like the voices, in and out of each other creating great depth and resonance without the need for overdubs. 'Smiling Ladies' is in a similar vein to 'Car Crash', with beautiful acoustic interplay and a descending, almost Beatlesque melody. One of the stronger melodies on the album, 'Smiling Ladies' is enhanced with a wee mandolin line that fits perfectly between the vocals and guitars. Both tunes sound like they were recorded in one or two takes with an emphasis on the overall feel rather than the accuracy of the playing. Yes there is a few bum notes here and there - but it only adds to the charm!

One of my favourite tracks is the the second of the two versions of 'Sally Godin', The tune begins with a jaunty harmonica line and hand claps and the first few bars are sung solo. However, each run trough another vocalist joins in harmony until the whole band are singing along. I love this version and I always think would have been a lot of fun to record that day - you can also one of them stifle a laugh during one of the vocal refrains! Interestingly, the band show a more progressive folk influence in places, especially on the moodier 'Harlequin 2', with its jarring organ and slightly-jazzy arrangements. 'Harlequin 2' and the mystical 'Lords and Master' are perhaps more reminiscent of groups like Donovan or the Incredible String Band.

The strength of this LP is the imagery and vibe it exudes. The music paints a picture of an idyllic English countryside on a peaceful and mellow afternoon. I have never heard a record like this in my life - something so warm and naturally atmospheric. I love the long pauses between songs, hearing the bands chit-chat and the gentle hum of the wind. Heron were very melodic, simple, and unashamedly poppy in places, something which sets them apart from their more 'serious' contemporaries. Indeed over, some of the songs are half finished and perhaps a tad rushed, yet the whole LP is very natural and organic and exceptionally performed. Heron's in-the-moment approach has intrigued me for years and been a constant source of inspiration.

Disappointingly, the album was released to little fanfare and Heron faded into obscurity. The band recorded one more album, 1971's Twice as Nice and Half the Price which didn't fair any better. The release of Heron: The Dawn Anthology has helped give their music a second chance and a wider exposure. Every few years I return to Wellington Library to borrow this CD, and every time I am absolutely spellbound. This album is a must have for any fans of British folk music or anyone who loves discovering obscure music like I do!

Key Tracks:

Yellow Roses

Car Crash

Sally Goodin
Smiling Ladies

If you liked this, check out:

Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left   1969
Fairport Convention - Liege and Lief   1969
Incredible String Band - The 5000 Spirits or the Layers of the Onions    1967
John Martyn - The Tumbler   1969