Michael Chapman

The Decca Years 1974 To 1977 MOONCREST

Early postcards from renowned English part-time folkie.

Michael Chapman, like so many artists, seems likely to be forever defined by his very first album, in his case 1969’s Rainmaker. Perhaps even by the album’s first, title, track, a shimmering, other-wordly, acoustic guitar instrumental with which the Yorkshireman pitched his tent in the same field as lauded English folkies Bert Jansch, John Renbourn and John Martyn.

This collection brings together his mid-70s Deram/Decca albums Deal Gone Down, Savage Amusement and The Man Who Hated Mornings, by which time Chapman had added rockier elements, at the expense of tracks built from just his lived-in voice and his masterful steely finger-picking.

While much of his music recorded with other musicians or a full band has its merits, as much again lacks real individual character, too often with prosaic lyrics that possess nothing of the sparkle of his guitar playing. On his own, however, with just an acoustic and some moody chord changes for company, his music can be hypnotic, whether warm and inviting or ringing with raw overtones as chilling as a bleak moorland winter.

Thankfully, among the generous extras here, including a number of fascinating demos, are plenty of solo instrumentals that add fuel to Chapman’s deserved reputation as a masterful musician. ■■■■■■■■■■