Tudor Lodge - Tudor Lodge (1971) [Reissue, 1994] Lossless

AllMusic Review by Jo-Ann Greene
An exquisite reissue on the Italian Akarma label, the eponymous debut album by Tudor Lodge taps into both the perpetual collectibility of the early-'70s Vertigo label catalog and the mid-2000s' growing fascination with British folk-prog of the same era. The trio of Lyndon Green, John Stannard, and Ann Steuart, backed by a heavyweight band of folk and classical legends (the redoubtable rhythm section of Danny Thompson and Terry Cox included), Tudor Lodge were unashamedly pastoral -- their music is the sound of a summer's day in centuries past, where "grey-backed squirrels run to safety," ("Forest"), ladies "disappear into the sunset, shrouded in organdie and wine" ("Willow Tree"), and even bloody battlefields become a place for quiet contemplation ("Help Me Find Myself"). And, all the while, clarinets twinkle, violins sigh, and cellos call to one another across the verdant fields. Recorded in a mere two weeks in early 1971, Tudor Lodge is very much a child of its times -- hopeful, gentle, and so delicately melodic that, even with harmonies hurtling like asteroids across "I See a Man," there is a Spartan simplicity to the record that surely exacted a major toll on the latter-day likes of Belle & Sebastian -- a comparison that the almost raunchy guitar and psych-soaked wah-wah of "The Lady's Changing Home" only amplifies. In its original vinyl form, Tudor Lodge was released in a grandiose six-panel die-cut sleeve, decorated with the intricate penciled sketches of artist Phil Duffy. In common with Akarma's other Vertigo reissues, this fabulous packaging has been restored in its entirety. Like the music, it's breathtaking.

Tudor Lodge biography (progarchives)
Formed in 1968 in Reading, England - Reduced to a duo since 1988, continue to play at folk circuits in England

A typical folk rock group of the late 60's and early 70's, this singing guitar trio is made of Lyndon Green, John Stannard and Ann Steuart who adds some piano and flute. As their name suggests, they do use a few references of ancient music here and there, but overall we have the average folk rock music sprinkled with hippy idealism and much pastoral ambiances, and just enough virtuosity to arise the proghead's interest. Somewhat in between Trader Horne (which they are often confused with), Fairport Convention and Amazing Blondel, they recorded just one album that was released on the famous Vertigo label (the Swirl era and a 6360 cat #) and its astoundingly beautiful fold-out artwork (with a waffled cardboard) makes a highly priced rarity. Fortunately for investigating progheads, this album has received a few vinyls and Cd re-issues, some duplicating the artwork.