Hands down it's the Allen-Ward Trio. WHO? Yes, the little known Canadian group who recorded just one album on Vanguard back in 1965. I first heard some of their music from Chicago folk singer/friend Ellen Dee. Ellen played at It's Here the same time the Whitsuntide Singers did. She did a number of the songs off that album, the best of which is Brothers, Sisters, and Friends.
The Allen-Ward Trio had tight 3 part harmony and great accompaniment from Gordon Lightfoot's guitar player, David Rae. Much of the material is traditional tunes like East Virginia. Still, song for song an album I wore out over the years.
Unfortunately, it has yet to be released on CD, and I seriously doubt that it ever will. I have luckily been able to pick up 2 more LPs on ebay, one of which is still sealed! I have had it converted to compact disc and consider it my favorite folk album of all-time.
Brothers, Sisters and Friends
Hold On to Me Babe
I Need a Friend
Oh, Babe It Ain't No Lie
No More Auction Block
Nowadays
The Coventry Carol
East Virginia
Poor Mourner
Leather Winged Bat
Roll, Freedom
Trooper and the Maid
The Cuckoo
Long River
Musicians:
Craig Allen - guitar, vocals
Lynne Ward - vocals
Robin Ward - vocals
David Rae - guitar
Russ Savakus - bass
Craig Allen - guitar, vocals
Lynne Ward - vocals
Robin Ward - vocals
David Rae - guitar
Russ Savakus - bass
25 comments:
It's hard to argue against one you've never heard... so I won't... if you are ever traveling thru LaCrosse... look me up and bring vinyl for trading... ok... just borrowing... maybe I have some treasures that you have never heard.
Dave
Wow. Knowing all the incredible music I've heard in your home over the years, "favorite of all time" is a mighty high standard. - Eileen
I am gob smacked... no one other than my friends and family have ever made such a kind comment.
Craig Allen, (Allen Ward Trio)
I am gob smacked... no one other than my friends and family have ever made such a kind comment.
Craig Allen, (Allen Ward Trio)
Wow Craig, I can't believe you found this! But it's not just me who think your album is great. I have played it for a number of friends (both musicians and folk music fans) from coast to coast and they all agree with me, that album is a true gem!
Well, hell, Tom....I can't believe you found STEREO copies on E-bay. It's been on my want list since you turned me on to them in the first place.
And please tell Dave I'll trade with him and to Craig Allen I concur with EVERYthing you say except "hands down"....then I've gotta go with Ellen.
Vinylly, The Doc (Dennis)
www.americanpierecords.com
Hmmmm.....I can't believe you found a STEREO copy on E-bay!!!!
Congratulations. I've been looking for that ever since you turned me on to them.
Best ever???? Gotta go along with Ellen on that one my friend. And please tell Dave I'LL trade with him.
Vinylly, The Doc (Dennis)
www.americanpierecords.com
I agree wholeheartedly. Stumbled on your blog when I happened to google Allen Ward Trio for no particular reason. I still have my original stereo LP, and it never fails to evoke good feelings and happy memories. David Rea was one of the earliest and biggest influences on my folk guitar style. My ex-wife and I often used to sing Nowadays back in college in 1966. I still go back to many songs on that album, and will probably do Hold On To Me Babe, Brothers Sisters and Friends, and possibly Leather Winged Bat at a local cafe tomorrow.
Peace - Steve
Steve, thnks for the kind comment. I hope Craig Allen (Allen-Ward Trio) visits the blog again to see I'm not the only one to appreciate that one-of-a-kind folk album.
This is such a great album. When I was 17/18 used to always go to see them whenever they played in Toronto (New Gate Of Cleves, Riverboat, etc). It was great. I remember the excitement of the album coming out after seeing them perform for 2 years. Brings back great memories. And am still grateful that Craig and Lynn drove me home one very cold winter night after a performance when my car wouldn't start. Still listen to the album every week.
Hersh
Ottawa
Hersh, I'm guessing you've noticed that Craig Allen commented as well. I have a friend who owns the biggest and best vinyl store in California. He has located several copies over the years. I have 3 in my personal collection ONE OF WHICK IS STILL SEALED! Thanks for dropping by...
Allen-Ward Trio needs to be re-released ..nothing sounds like them, then or since. Superb all around.
I totally agree. I may talk with Allan Shaw from rediscover Music Catalogue. He would know the ins and outs of doing so. I'm sure Vanguard records still holds rights, but it would be great to see this masterpiece get it's props.
Oh, I agree. I picked this up, unheard, at a used furniture store in Kingston, Ontario. I, too, love the three-part harmony, especially on the a capella "Cuckoo" and the brilliant song-blending of "No More Auction Block," which also has killer guitar. I will be writing about a few cuts of his song on my own blog shortly, at ffanzeen.blogspot.com. Thanks for keeping the flame going.
-- Robert Barry Francos
Hi--John here--long time music lover and record store owner since 1975---I, too, love this album--I first heard it in the late 1960s when a girlfriend turned me on to it. My copy is long since worn smooth from playing but on long walks I can sing the entire album from start to finish. A fabulous piece of music
John, I'd be happy to share a CD burn of it with you, since it's not available commercially. BUT IT SHOULD BE!
My good friend Mel Stewart in Sioux Lookout is nuts about "Nowadays" by the Allen-Ward trio. Me, my favourite is "East Virginia" , asong that my wife and I still do. David Rae does some great finger picking on this cut and he was a big influence on my own guitar playing. Ed Smith
Yup Ed, the Allen-Ward Trio has a whole lot more fans out there than one might think. From time to time I think Craig Allen stops by, and I'm sure he appreciates how their music still touches folks some 40 years after it was recorded. What a treasure!
Ed
Is there any way I can hear you and your wife do East Virginia? I love that song too.
Craig Allen
Craig, welcome back! Are you on Facebook? I think there should be a Allen-Ward Trio fan page. If all these folks have found AWT on this obscure blog, think how many fans would come out of the woodwork on the Facebook platform. I for one would like to talk with other fans of yours.
No I’m not on facebook. Even though I work on the computer (graphic design) I am a babe in the woods when it comes to social networking. I can barely figure out how to post a comment on your blog.
Craig
Craig, would you mind if I posted a "fan" page for the Allen Ward Trio on Facebook? It would establish a forum for discussion for fans of AWT. The advantage is that Google searches would find it easily. There have been some nice comments about your group on my obscure blog, Facebook would attract more. Tom
Wow! I thought I was the only one who loved the harmony of the Allen-Ward Trio (including Lynne's wonderful warm voice)! Keep spreading the word - this recording ought to become immortal. Despite making only one recording, the group has left the world a better place.
Frustrated by the fact that some great LP's are not available on CD, I got an NAD Digital Phono/USB Preamp PP3 + software THAT REMOVES POPS AND TICKS as well as hiss and hum when you burn a CD. The result is amazing: CD quality sound of the original LP recordings!
Roger, I too have the album on CD of reasonably good quality. I also have four copies of the actual album, one of which has never been opened!
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