Sense of Occasion

Released in 2007 to mark Fairport Convention's 40th anniversary, Sense of Occasion finds the band in a stable, self-assured late-career groove. Recorded at their own Woodworm Studios, the album features the long-standing lineup of Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Ric Sanders, Chris Leslie, and Gerry Conway. While the band is historically synonymous with the invention of British folk rock, this 31st album leans more toward a polished 'contemporary folk' sound. It is notable for its mix of original material by Chris Leslie and thoughtfully chosen covers, including a standout rendition of XTC's 'Love on a Farmboy's Wages.' The inclusion of a new version of 'Tam Lin' serves as a bridge to their 1969 masterpiece Liege & Lief, though the 2007 version is notably more restrained. Critics generally viewed the album as a solid, if 'safe,' addition to their massive discography, praising the musicianship while noting a lack of the experimental edge that defined their early years.