Fruit de Mer Records The 16th Dream of Dr Sardonicus Festival of Psychedelic live double album

 (photos Fruit de Mer Records)

We're currently blessed with a good field of top draw independent record labels releasing treat after treat to tickle our fancy and furnish our aural requirements. Though in my opinion Fruits de Mer Records represents a label which is a cut above the rest. The labels releases are always not just of the highest quality, both musically and production, they're something more, something special, unique artists, whether performing their own works or innovative interpretations they're always original and often sublime sounding. There's not been a thing I've heard I've not enjoyed, and many I've absolutely loved; for the new music I've been introduced to through FdM I'm continually grateful, bands such as The Luck of Eden Hall or the Soft Hearted Scientists, man, I could go on and on, honestly the list is endless. Oh for bottomless pockets. Anyway. Each year the label organizes a few all dayers and small festivals, by all accounts every one a fabulous event. Fruits de Mer also appear to excel at curating and creating outstanding compilation albums (it was through some of their compilation CD's in a friends car that I first got turned on to the label). Fruit de Mer Records The 16th Dream of Dr Sardonicus Festival of Psychedelic is a live double album on lovely clear blue vinyl which highlights their creative genius at both compilations and events. What a beautiful aural journey, man, with bands, several I'd heard of, several I hadn't, all giving great performances, an eclectic mix which flows seamlessly with absolutely no filler. I say eclectic as all the acts bring something different in style and sound, though all sympathetic and supporting of each other and the albums psychedelic ambiance, carrying you blissfully along on a stream of glorious flavoured psychedelia. Side one kicks of with two tracks from the wonderfully folky Elfin Bow with Elizabeth Anne Jones gentle enchanting vocals (check out Elfin Bow's lovely FdM single release, bliss), one track a subtly stunning Denny cover, the other a charming self penned number with traditional DNA; and side four finishes off with the raucous saxaphonic sounds of legendary space rocker Nik Turner's New Space Ritual.  I said it was a journey, man. It's a journey along a road paved in gold too, favourites like Stay, Consterdine and Sendelica, as well as (new to me), I am Voyager one, Fellowship of Hallucinatory Voyagers, The Alain Pire Experience and The Fertility Cult, all showcasing what they can do live...and it's quality throughout. My only problem...more bands for my list of bands to look out for, oh but what a problem to have, ay. Every track on this album is a real gem, a fantastic reminder for those lucky enough to have been at the festival, of what sounds like a great event, and a fabulous advertisement for the joy which is Fruits de Mer Records. As with previous FdM releases the quality is assured, the recordings are solid, the clear blue vinyl is a lovely pressing, and the sleeves are quality too (and interesting), man, the package as a whole is class. Sadly this release is currently sold out (it showed 'last few copies' when I started this post, it may be available through other stockists...maybe?), though check out the Fruit de Mer Records site you wont be disappointed, there are many more treasures to be discovered there, and get on their mailing list to avoid future disappointment, their July releases look terrific! Thank you Fruits de Mer.

Elfin Bow and Gary Lloyd

Elfin Bow and Gary Lloyd have released a fabulous single on the Fruit de Mer Records label, Elfin Bow is musician and artist Elizabeth Anne Jones, and Gary Lloyd a respected composer, with them the Scottish Session Orchestra. I'll be honest I'd heard of none of them, and choose this single primarily as I liked the name 'Elfin Bow' (cool name), that, and I've yet to get a record from FdM that I don't enjoy. Well, what a lovely record. The A side is a beautiful arrangement of Sandy Denny's classic 'Who knows where the time goes', and one that really does the original justice. Elizabeth's got an absolutely gorgeous voice, and uses it wonderfully, doing a fantastic job with this classic. The original has a mournful feel to it, I think, whereas Elfin Bow has managed to elevated the mood, whilst retaining the gravitas and emotional essence of the original. Elizabeth's dreamlike honeyed vocals complimenting Sandy's lyrics, invoking those images of open fires in winter bound cottages, of the cycles of the year and of life. It's a really lovely interpretation. And the addition of the orchestra just hits you, man, and when it cuts in proper it adds drama, real depth and warmth, elevating the song even further, a grand interpretation. Masterful, man. As good as the Denny reworking is, and it is, what I love best is the B side.  A stunning reworking of Elfin Bow's 'The Wisdom'.  The original with Elizabeth's beautiful vocals is lovely enough (I checked it out on Bandcamp), though, on this track her voice is absolutely mesmerizing, man, transporting you to magical realms, maybe that's the 'elf', in Elfin Bow. Again, the addition of the orchestra lifts an already impressive track to something simply wonderful, the perfect juxtaposition of simple folk and grand orchestra. Both re-workings are enchanting, Elizabeth's voice is heavenly throughout, and massive kudos to Gary Lloyd and the Scottish Session Orchestra whose performances on both tracks are remarkable. A really lovely single. As with all FdM releases it's a quality release with attention to detail, a lovely gate-fold sleeve housing a pastel pink 7inch vinyl, go on buy one, you'll love it. Also, go check Elfin Bow out.

A fantastic release FdM, I'd have more like this.

And, if you fancy a trip, play it at 33rpm (both sides), go on, it's amazing what you get. 

Little fishies

A Fruits de Mer parcel through your door never fails to bring a broad smile to your face, and why wouldn't it, Fruits de Mer Records produce the most exquisite musical ear treats. Today a wonderful quadrigeminal of 7 inch's by: Elfin Bow and Gary Lloyd, The Chemistry Set, Nick Nicely and Touch. That's rarely all with a FdM delivery, included today the fabulous Swordfish and the Toad 'the first road trip', a mix exploring the FdM archives (all I've listened to, so far) and a Christmas postcard.  A nice touch, and always appreciated. I was late to the  Fruits de Mer party, and came to the label a couple of years ago through a selection of FdM mix CD's in a friends car, track after track of music which simply just hits that sweet spot, well, my musical sweet spot anyway. What FdM does, it does brilliantly. Attention to detail runs through the label like Brighton through rock, primarily in the choice of artists, all unique, all selected from a wide psychedelic spectrum and all with their own certain magic, the records are usually colourful quality pressings with a great deal of consideration put into the sleeves as well, the whole thing smacks of class. Anyway, these little fishies will not be going on the little dishy, rather on to the spinning platter. I'm off to listen the heck out of these beauties.

'The Three Seasons' by various artists, out on Fruits de Mer

Over their first 10 years Fruits de Mer records have gained quite a reputation for quality recordings of distinction, it's a reputation well founded, and one they're sure to cement further with their wondrous new release 'The Three Seasons'...the Spring, Summer and Autumn of Love 66' to 68'. The Three Seasons is twenty seven tracks from the period, beautifully re-imagined by some of the cream of contemporary psychedelia, bands of the highest calibre including The Luck of Eden Hall, Cary Grace, Jack Ellister, Magic Bus, The Honey Pot and Sidewalk Society (who have already showed their credentials in this field with last years fantastic 'Strange Roads' album, also on FdM).  As well as the new kids there are two bands who experienced the cultural shift of 66' to 68' first hand! The Yardbirds and The Pretty Things, yeah I know, cool ay.  Fruits de Mer have taken a different, more interesting, approach to the 'Summer of Love' than that usually undertaken, exploring not just the heady days of summer but the early conceptual blossomings of spring, and autumn's winds of change. It's a fantastic idea, and one that FdM has nailed.

So the context is.... By 1966 the mods had discovered psychedelics and mysticism, the seeds of a Spring of Love were planted, new frontiers were opening up, the world seemed full of possibilities, potential and of promise, you can hear the change in the songs of the period. Anton Barbeau, The Electric Prunes, Kris Gietkowski, Aunt Cynthia's Cabin, Icarus Peel and Mark McDowell tackle this year, which they all do splendidly. If pressed I'd say Mark McDowells version of the Small Faces' 'Up the Wooden Hills' surpasses the original (is that sacrilege? I don't care, it's true).

Then, as 1966 becomes 1967 the heady exuberance of the psychedelically burgeoning Summer of Love is palpable in the music of the year, everyone was out of their gords and loving it, experimentation was the name of the game as was pushing boundaries and excess. The Past Tense, Lovelydove, Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder, Jack Ellister, Rob Gould, Moonweevil, The Locker Room Cowboys, The Honey Pot, Magic Bus and The Golden Needles take on the summer, again with magnificent results. You're going to love The Locker Room Cowboys version of the Stones 'We love you', best interpretation on the album, it's fantastic, perfect! Loving The Golden Needles take on 'The Smell of Incense' too.

Sadly, and maybe inevitably, by 1968 the tide was turning, it's the Autumn of Love, no amount of drugs could hide the fact the party was clearly over and with it many of those hopes envisaged in spring. There were new musical paths appearing, time for another change. King Penguin, The Luck of Eden Hall, Cary Grace, Sidewalk Society, Jay Tausig, Proud Peasant, The Green Ray, Ex-Norwegian and Consterdine address this year of flux and realization, and of course the results are electric. I don't think of anybody could've tackled The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s 1983 (A Merman I should be..) better than Cary Grace, contemporary yet respectful, beautifully arranged and with Cary's distinctive voice, clean and powerful, you've a mesmerizing track. As is Consterdine's 'Fly' (J.K and Co.), which again (in my opinion) surpasses the original.

Man, what a lovely listening experience, the tracks aren't arranged linearly by release date, instead you flit about the years, not in a clumsy way, no, the whole album hangs together and flows beautifully.  You're taken on a trip to the mid 60's whilst remaining firmly anchored in the present, the way the artists have combined now and then is a marvel. I can honestly say there's not a weak track on any of the six sides of this gloriously coloured vinyl release (mine are the darker coloured set, a lighter pastel set is also available), every track delivers. A lot of love and attention to detail has been put in to these interpretations, none are mere covers, every artist has brought something of their own to the tracks, and each has done the original justice, and to be honest, most giving the originals a run for their money (more sacrilege?). I'm certain the original artists would agree. Talking original artists, it's lovely to hear The Yardbirds and The Pretty Things still playing. The whole project has an air of reverence to it, present day psychedelic pop/rock/folk-sters paying deference at the spring that's nurtured and fed them, of which they now are a part of. Far out, man! I need to mention that the artwork by John Hurford is bloody lovely, tripped out seasonally appropriate nature scenes in vivid colours, he's the same guy who did The Honey Pots 'Ascending Scales' cover (another great FdM release). The whole package is a lovely thing, and shouts quality.

Todd said 'But a dream lives on forever', and although the sun went down of the psychedelic 60's, what was born during that triad of inspirational seasons endures and even thrives today, as this album of brilliant contemporary psychedelic interpretations attests to. Well played Fruits de Mer. Everyone should get a copy, go on! Oh, and more from The Locker Room Cowboys please, I'd love to hear what else they could do.

More from Fruits de Mer

Record label 'Fruits de Mer' has long signified quality assured musical output, supporting and supplying the psychedelic community with the rare, unique and unusual. If you know their product, you know I speak truth, if you hadn't heard of the label check it out, now! The sooner you explore their wares, the sooner that broad smile of aural pleasure will spread across your face. Now here's a heads up,  Fruits de Mer have got a forthcoming three disc vinyl release of classic 60's psychedelic covers by the cream of the contemporary psychedelic music community, acts like  Jack Ellister, Magic Bus, Cary Grace, Anton Bardeau, The Honey Pot, The Sidewalk Society and The Luck of Eden Hall (if you've read previous posts you know there are some of my favourites in there) and well as veteran acts of the period The Yardbirds, The Electric Prunes and The Pretty Things! Yeah, I know, mental. The 3 disc album 'The Three Seasons' covers the influential psychedelic period 66' to 68' and from the tracks that have been leaked it's going to be will be a beautiful pop/psych extravaganza.   Alright, I know you've stopped reading and are now on the Fruit de Mer site placing your order, good on you, I have, and knowing how frequently their releases sell out we're right to.

Here's what their site says.

1966-1968 : arguably the golden era for music as we at FdM know it. 'The Three Seasons' is a bit of a tribute to the psychedelic era - the first buds forming in '66, the summer of love and the comedown in '68.

Some of Fruits de Mer's best-known artists are joined by some new faces and a few who were actually there at the time and were personally responsible for some of the amazing sounds that we're celebrating in this vinyl love-in.

The Three Seasons has taken rather a long time to grow into the 3 LP set that will be presented for your consideration in early October - although, in the end, some heavy pruning was necessary to fit everything onto six sides (it could so easily have been a 4LP set, but someone had already knicked the 'four seasons' title).

The music ranges from pop-psych to acid-folk, heavy rock to prog, from classic songs to the long-lost - the kind of thing Fruits de Mer was designed for.

So, who is responsible for the two hours+ of music between the grooves? Step forward:

side 1
1. The Past Tense - Magic In The Air (originally by The Attack : recorded in 1967)
2. LoveyDove - Bedazzled (originally by Drimble Wedge and the Vegetations : 1967)
3. Campbell Stokes Sunshine Recorder - Amelia Jane (originally by Made In Sheffield : 1967)
4. Jack Ellister - Aquarius (originally by The Zodiac:Cosmic Sounds : 1967)
5. Rob Gould - Granny Takes A Trip (originally by The Purple Gang : 1967)

side 2
1. Mark McDowell and Friends - Up The Wooden Hills To Bedfordshire (originally by The Small Faces : 1966)
2. Anton Barbeau – Sunshine Superman (originally by Donovan : 1965)
3. The Electric Prunes - 7 and 7 is (originally by Love : 1966)
4. Moonweevil - Child Of The Sky (originally by The Deviants : 1967)
5. Kris Gietkowski - A-Minor Explosion (originally by Don Shinn : 1966)
6. The Yardbirds - Think About It (live in 2016) (originally by The Yardbirds : 1968)

side 3
1. The Locker Room Cowboys - We Love You (originally by The Rolling Stones : 1967)
2. King Penguin - White Bird (written : 1967, released by It's A Beautiful Day : 1969)
3. Aunt Cynthia's Cabin - Solitary Man (originally by Neil Diamond : 1966)
4. The Luck Of Eden Hall - Reflected (originally by Alice Cooper : 1968)

side 4
1. The Honey Pot - Kites (written by Hackaday/Pockriss; recorded by The Rooftop Singers / Simon Dupree and the Big Sound : 1967)
2. Cary Grace - 1983 (A Merman I Should Be...) (originally by the Jimi Hendrix Experience : 1968)

side 5
1. Sidewalk Society - A Saying For Today (originally by The Action : 1968)
2. Jay Tausig - Let No Man Steal Your Thyme (trad. recorded by Anne Briggs : 1963 / Pentangle : 1968)
3. Magic Bus - Tribal Gathering (originally by The Byrds : 1967)
4. Proud Peasant - Down At Circe's Place (originally by Touch : 1968)
5. Icarus Peel - Beck's Bolero (originally by Jeff Beck Group : 1966)

side 6
1. The Green Ray - Dusty (originally by John Martyn : 1968)
2. Ex-Norwegian - Winter (originally by Family : 1968)
3. Consterdine - Fly (originally by J.K. & Co : 1968)
4. The Gold Needles - The Smell of Incense (originally by West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band : 1967)
5. The Pretty Things - Loneliest Person (live at the Half Moon, 2010) (originally by The Pretty Things : 1968)

...yes, you might have spotted within that line-up three rather spectacular names...
...THE YARDBIRDS, THE ELECTRIC PRUNES AND THE PRETTY THINGS
Have they ever appeared to together on a compilation before? (probably, but not on an FdM one, that's for sure!). Am I excited? I certainly bloody am.

And here's a little taster of what to expect from the album, as the Fast Show's jazz guys says.....Nice! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srP_bj4djes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkosTjuNEJE&feature=youtu.be

A Fruits de Mer day

It's always time to celebrate when a Fruits de Mer Records package pops through your letter box. Fruits de Mer Records are purveyors of the finest psychedelic flavoured music, real gems that your ears got to hear, records that are always of superb quality and fairly priced. I'd heard of them through a friend raved about them for years, and rightly so, everything I've got through them gives me immense listening pleasure. Today's delivery was of two singles I'd pre-ordered, 'Always Here' by psychedelic rockers from Spain, Stay and 'Lovely Cuppa Tea' by psychedelic popsters, The Chemistry Set. As with FdM packages, invariably there's a little extra thrown in, in this case a couple of promotional tea bags, a lyric sheet for 'Lovely Cuppa Tea' and a free CD by folkist Scott William Urquhart. Very nice. Now to give them all a thorough listening to!