BELOW THE RADAR

Not known as widely as he should be, Roy Bailey is nonetheless a seminal figure in English folk music, active since the folk revival of the 1950s, and still hewing true to its ideas, with very political songs of ordinary people from a variety of different songwriters.

This, his first disc in far too long, features glowing material performed with his typical understatement, but revealing absolute passion. Several of the songs are from Seattle’s Jim Page, whose style meshes perfectly with Bailey’s own, especially on the breathtaking “Collateral Damage” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. But there are also contributions from Si Kahn, Tom Paxton and Leon Rosselson, as well as others far less known, and an achng version of “Handsome Molly.” Backed by some very able talent (son-in-law Martin Simpson, John Kirkpatrick, and Andy Cutting are all here), Bailey does what he’s always done, laying the material out simply and with conviction. It’s a reminder that the age of the political singer is far from gone (and needs to be here), although he’s equally good on the sentimental “Take Me Out Waltzing Tonight.”

If there was justice, Bailey would be recognised for his real importance and contribution to English folk music over the last half century. He’s good – very, very good. But, as it is, this album title is very apt. The music within, however, soars skyward.
CN - Sing Out! Jan 2010

"Below the Radar" CFCD 407

FAITH PETRIC (Feb. 2010):
As the title suggests, the subjects of most of these 13 songs are not among those getting intense public scrutiny. They’re below the radar, focusing on what is of continuous and primary importance to many of us: peace, visions of a more just and loving world, poverty, international relations and more. There are also a couple of great love songs and a definitive paean to the pleasure of people singing together.

First song is the tender Scottish “Road to Dundee”, followed by Tom Paxton’s “How Beautiful Upon the Mountain” (Isiah 52 #7) slightly changing words in the second verse to reflect the English experience. “Anna Mae” and “Palestine” are two of four songs on the CD written or tune adapted by Seattle-based Jim Page. Page’s “Collateral Damage” (adapting Martin Hoffman’s tune used by Woody Guthrie for “Plane Wreck at Los Gatos” aka “Deportee”) is one of the most moving and painful in my experience, saying “Collateral Damage is all we will be.” But you will want to learn and sing it, it’s powerful.

“Friends Like These” from George Papavgeris, may well bring tears to the eyes of attendees at Friday evening song swaps of the San Francisco Folk Music Club or of others who attend regular sing-together gatherings. The chorus asks: “Who needs fame, and who needs fortune, who needs a life of ease? I’m the richest in the country when I’m blessed with friends like these”.

The CD’s final cut, David Ferrard's “Visions of Our Youth”, appropriately encourages both young and old: “in that moment, or so it seemed, we were able to change the world”. Other songs are by Si Kahn, Leon Rosselson Ian Campbell, David Ferrard and trad.

Bailey’s long and illustrious career places him as one of the finest of England’s singers. His work contains the soul of working class ideals and gives a radical alternative to the mainstream music industry. You will play this CD often, learn and sing its songs with friends.

BELOW THE RADAR

5 star review:
".....this album proves there's much life and quality in Roy as BELOW THE RADAR is something which should be cherished. .... this release certainly ranks alongside some of the finest folk albums heard in recent years."