They've Stuffed Peggy into a Box!
PHILIP S WOLF | SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CA. USA | 09/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"He needs no introduction, he is just the best player of bass guitar of rock & folk music that we have on the planet today. The fifth box set for a member of Fairport Convention {1. Dave Swarbrick 2. Richard Thompson 3.Sandy Denny 4. Ashley Hutchings}. is given to David {Peggy} Pegg.
But, why a box set for Peggy? He seldom sings or even writes a tune. He has only one record to his name {"The Cocktail Cowboy Goes It Alone"). Why, such an honor for holding down the bottom for the last four decades?
It is simple, he is the glue that has held folk-rock together since the late 60's, and always with a pint and a smile. Outgoing and happy onstage BUT, humble and modest at the bar after the show. Peggy, a mainstain of two of rock's greatest groups: {Jethro Tull & Fairport Convention} should be the most arrogant rock star of em' all... But, he's ready to talk of his love of James Taylor's music over a glass of ale, anytime.
Four CD's covering 42 years of music. From "Brum-Beat" bands: "The Crawdaddy's", "Dave and the Emeralds", "The Ugly's" ETC. Of old acetates, demos and long forgoten 45'S, Peggy, was the lead guitar player with R&B Roots, and by the year 1969, he was an amazing fluent bass guitarist as known by only a few. By the time of his audition for Fairport Convention in Decmember, 1969. He Played bass, that was felt AND he could fly off incredible lead runs, all this with ONLY two hands!
These four CD's span Peggy's entire musical life and feature lot's of song's from his two main bands: Fairport Convention & Jethro Tull. The whole of: "The Cocktail Cowboy Goes it Alone" is included. A full CD of Peggy's session recordings, shows that everyone from Nick Drake, Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Beth Neilsen Chapman & John Martyn, knew what talents the man possessed. Dave Pegg along with Dave Swarbrick, were the mainsays that held the good ship Fairport afloat thro' many a lean year. Peggy started a cottage industry: "Woodworm Records" {in a Cottage!} and organized {with Chris Pegg} The Cropredy Festival, that has grown to become the largest folk-rock festival held in Europe annually.
I knew of this project, almost a year ago, I knew it would be good, BUT, I didn't know it would be this great. The proof, that there is indeed more to come, {as Fairport Convention, celebrates their 40th Year and David celebrates his 60th year} the works of The Dylan Project & The Pegg/PJ Wright duo are included.
If only all box-sets were as nice as this! A 104 page book, begins to tell the story. {and Peggy's own book, is due within 2 years}. As a fan of his work since the year dot, my hero has never let me down. and even the off-night on stage, still held it's merit. I thought I had heard it all...WRONG! "A Box of Pegg's" is fresh & fun. Stellar recordings & fantastic performances, by all artists involved.
This four CD box set is a gem! I thank Peggy for his kindness and music. This Fantastic artist is an: "One-Off" ...a true original character.
Raise your glass, for my friend, Peggy!...CHEERS!!!"
Track Listings (81) - Disc #1