For those unaware, The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood: Live captures three landmark performances from Fairport Convention, the pioneering architects of British folk rock. Recorded live at the band’s beloved Cropredy Festival in 1986 and 1987 - along with the 35th Anniversary Concert in 2002 - this comprehensive collection traces the evolution of a group whose communal spirit and musical craftsmanship have defined generations of folk tradition.

The Cropredy recordings showcase Fairport Convention at their most exuberant and heartfelt, performing for an audience that has grown up alongside them. With timeless renditions of traditional songs, electric folk favorites, and deep cuts cherished by fans, these sets radiate the warmth, humor, and camaraderie that have long been hallmarks of Fairport’s live shows. By the time of the 2002 anniversary concert, the band had transformed yet again, reflecting both their deep legacy and their continued relevance - balancing nostalgia with a sense of renewal.

Beautifully remastered and packaged, The Quiet Joys of Brotherhood: Live serves as both a celebration and a document - a reminder that Fairport Convention’s enduring appeal lies not just in their pioneering sound but in their ability to create genuine connection through music. Essential for devotees of British folk, the Cropredy faithful, and anyone seeking the purest expression of Fairport’s brotherhood in song.

An essential live document from one of Britain’s most influential folk rock groups, and featuring three historic live recordings (1986, 1987, 2002) from rare and hard to find performances, this incredible 4CD set captures the iconic Cropredy Festival atmosphere and therefore makes this new collection an essential item for fans of British folk and folk rock to have in their collections.

People have always asked me What is it about the band Fairport Convention that makes them sound English? I think there are basically two reasons. First, they chose not to adopt an American or “transatlantic” accent when singing. Second, they are very influenced by English folk music in their rhythmic and harmonic choices, which gives them a different sound to most American and American-influenced bands.

With the skyrocketing interest in 60’s psych rock among serious collectors, this album is ripe for evaluation, mostly because it’s laden with interesting psych elements. And why not? It’s influenced by the 60’s west coast sound that was fueled by LSD and the like, so it’s only natural. Parts of these live performances remind me of the Byrds, among other bands, but that aside, it also happens to be a solid live collection, start to finish.

Simply put, these songs were made by a group of young, talented, inquiring and inventive musicians living in north London who created possibly some of the greatest music of the late 60’s. The musicianship is top notch - which back then, when it also was, gave the inclination that the band was going places, which we all know that they did.

CD 1 - Live At Cropredy ’86
1. Reno Nevada (4:37) 2. Keep On Sailing (4:45) 3. Suzanne (6:42) 4. Bird From The Mountain (5:19) 5. Wat Tyler (5:56) 6. The Quiet Joys Of Brotherhood (5:50) 7. Time Will Show The Wiser (3:38) 8. Who Knows Where The Time Goes (6:15) 9. Woodstock (2:50) 10. Sloth (17:23) 11. Mr. Lacey (4:26) 12. Meet On The Ledge (7:27)

CD 2 - Live At Cropredy ’87
1. John Barleycorn (5:28) 2. The Hiring Fair (6:43) 3. Bridge Of Sighs (5:31) 4. John The Gun (5:42) 5. The Lark In The Morning (5:41) 6. Tomorrow Is A Long Time (3:53) 7. For Shame of Doing Wrong (5:35) 8. Hand Of Kindness (6:32) 9. Saturday Rolling Around (3:26) 10. Rosie (5:11) 11. Serenade To A Cuckoo (4:43) 12. Medley: (8:38) • Matty Groves • The Rutland Reel • Sack The Juggler 13. Who Knows Where The Time Goes (7:45)

CD 3 - 35th Anniversary Concert 2002
1. Walk Awhile (4:34) 2. Banks Of The Sweet Primroses (4:42) 3. Happy Man (2:55) 4. The Crowd (4:53) 5. My Love Is In America (5:09) 6. Madeleine (4:41) 7. Deserter (7:33) 8. Everything But The Skirl (3:50) 9. Let There Be Drums (2:47)

CD 4 - 35th Anniversary Concert 2002
1. Talking About My Love (2:58) 2. Light Of Day (6:25) 3. Portmerion (5:40) 4. Crazy Man Michael (5:03) 5. The Wood And The Wire (4:27) 6. Hexamshire Lass (2:38) 7. John Gaudie (4:45) 8. Hiring Fair (7:47) 9. Matty Groves (5:47) 10. Meet On The Ledge (5:38)

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