Search - Sandy Denny :: Rendezvous

Not Sandy's Best But Better Than Most

R. J Metz | 02/24/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"While the likes of Nick Drake are busy being re-discovered and elevated to genius status (Nick was good but he wasn't THAT good), Sandy Denny seems to languish in the wings somewhere - not as famous as she should be but not obscure enough to be hailed as a neglected genius. This is a tragedy as she is up there with Richard Thompson as the best songwriter produced by the British folk rock scene of the 60's/70's.This album is her last and is, frankly, not her best. The album suffers from it's attempts to make her sound more "commercial" - as result it sounds far more dated than her earlier more folk-rock oriented albums. At times, the production (by husband Trevor Lucas) seems to be pushing her almost in the direction of Barbara Dickson, one fears a guest spot on the Two Ronnies may have been on the cards (apologies to any non-Brits among you who will have no idea what I'm on about!) Worst example of creeping MORism is the version of "Candle of the Wind" - now I'm old enough to remember when I thought this was a good song, so I can hardly blame Sandy for choosing to cover it, she can hardly have been expected to know the horrific use it would later be put to.They're aren't really any BAD songs on this CD, just bad arrangements. There are two truly great songs: "No More Sad Refrains" and "I'm A Dreamer" (pity about the "soaring" guitar solo at the end tho) and one remarkable "piece" (one hesitates to call it a "song") "All Our Days". Featuring just Sandy and Orchestra, "All Our Days" is, to all intents and purposes, a purely classical piece - it would have been fascinating to hear Sandy do more in this vein but, sadly, it wasn't to be. The only comparable piece I can think of is David Ackles' "Montana Song", though Harry Robinson's orchestral arrangement is a bit straighter.Finally, there's no doubt Sandy's voice had changed on this album - there's a mature lived-in quality about it, less fluidity than before but maybe even more character? Apparently her enormous intake of cigarettes was responsible!All in all buy this CD 'cos it's Sandy Denny but make sure to buy all her other CD's too!"

A Fitting Farewell

dev1 | Baltimore | 06/28/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"English folk singer Sandy Denny must be heard to be appreciated: her voice is delicate, affectionate and heavenly. Rendezvous is a departure from her efforts with the Fairport Convention: the album is rich with a full orchestra and a female choir (The Ladybirds). The combination of Denny's elegant vocals and a fine orchestra produces some haunting, romantic and majestic songs (I'm A Dreamer, All Our Days, No More Sad Refrains). `Full Moon' is a sensitive and moving love song - heartbreaking. The most energetic folk-rocker is `I Wish I Was A Fool For You.' Timi Donald's drum work is stunning. Richard Thompson fans will have an interesting time searching for his distinctive lead guitar work (I Wish I Was A Fool For You?) The first half of the CD is a bit hollow, but the second half glitters like gold. For those who adore Sandy's gentle and caressing voice, Rendezvous is especially touching. It is her last recording before injuries from a freak accident led to her death. The music world may have lost a gifted singer, but the allure of her voice remains."

Wonderful Album

R. J Metz | Blacksburg, VA | 12/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I heard Nanci Griffith Sing "Who Knows Where the Time Goes," on her Other Voices Too Album, I thought it was written by Judy Collins. But then I looked at the liner notes and saw that Sandy Denny really wrote it. Then I became curious about albums by Sandy Denny. A friend of mine loaned me her Vinyl copy of Rendevous. I loved it very much. I even copied it onto a blank tape before returning it. I now listen to it in the car sometimes. Sandy Denny passed away right after she made this album. I loved her version of Candle in the Wind, much better than that Cheesy Princess Diana version. It made me cry."