Sandy Denny – The North Star Grassman And The Ravens

Known for her time singing with Fairport Convention and respected worldwide as Robert Plant's first Alison Krauss (duetting with him on Led Zeppelin's The Battle Of Evermore), Sandy Denny left behind a beguiling, ever-evolving body of work - Kate Bush mentioned her in one song, and Denny's influence can be heard in generations of singer-songwriters.

After leaving Fairport Convention at the end of 1969, Sandy Denny formed the band Fotheringay Lucas with her husband Trevor Lucas. After a British Top 20 LP in the summer of 1970, the band split up during the recording of a follow-up album, leaving Denny the freedom to record her first solo album. "The North Star Grass Man And The Ravens" is a beguiling mixture of covers and original compositions and is one of the most important British folk-rock albums.

From the dreamy "Late November" to the plaintive "Next Time Around" and their take on the traditional standard "Blackwaterside", the album is a near perfect summation of the talents that were present on the scene at the time Thompson's distinctive guitar playing, John Wood's production and Harry Robinson's string arrangements. The album was released in September 1971 and its reputation has understandably grown exponentially over the years.