Steeleye Span is an English folk rock band formed 1969 in London by Maddy Prior (vocals, banjo, bells), Tim Hart (dulcimer, fiddle, vocals), Ashley Hutchings (bass, vocals), Gay Woods (vocals, concertina) and Terry Woods (guitar, vocals). Along with Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span would become one of the best known acts of the British folk revival movement. The band started when Hutchings left Fairport to pursue a more traditional English folk sound. Hutchings was joined by folk duo Maddy Prior and Tim Hart, plus husband and wife Terry and Gay Woods. The founding lineup recorded one album, the very fine Hark! The Village Wait, before the Woods' were replaced by multi-instrumentalists Martin Carthy and Peter Knight. The lineup changed again a few years later when Carthy and Hutchings left to be replaced by electric guitarist Bob Johnson and bass player Rick Kemp, who brought rock and blues influences to the sound. Steeleye is still active today, albeit with new blood, along with stalwarts Maddy Prior and Rick Kemp. The band has released a total of 24 studio albums, standouts include Hark! the Village Wait, Pleased to See the King, Ten Man Mop, Below The Salt, Parcel of Rogues and Commoners Crown. The 2003 compilation Lark in the Morning: The Early Years, is a good collection of their early material. Artist Website: steeleyespan.org.uk Featured Albums: Steeleye Span Related Artists: The Albion Band, Maddy Prior, Tim Hart & Maddy Prior, Fairport Convention, Gnidrolog
