*. Maddy Prior .*

Album: Lionhearts (2003)
Genre: Prog Folk (Contemporary/British Folk)  /  UK

In "Lionhearts," Maddy Prior's new solo album, Maddy returns to England's historical roots, this time to explore the life of Henry II and his sons, largely through the eyes of Henry's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine. The now-customary song cycle found on many of her recent albums consists of six songs, here focusing on a particular member of Henry's family--Richard, John, Henry himself, as well as his close friend and Christian martyr, Thomas a Becket, and Richard's chief adversary during the Crusades, Salah Ed-Din. There are also five additional songs: "Salisbury Plain," "John Barleycorn," "Yellow Handkerchief," "Ship in Distress," and "Jupiter," the last based on a melody from Gustav Holst. The songs display all the beauty and charm that Maddy is known for, and the album is one of her most heartfelt since her previous Arthur the King. Though less ambitious in scope than that album, the songs are all accessible and professionally played. Maddy's band shines on many of the songs, especially on Troy Donockley's and Nick Holland's marvelous arrangement of "Jupiter." Hightlights also include "John," "Yellow Handkerchief," and a stunning reworking of the Steeleye Span tune, "John Barleycorn." One disappointment is the dirge-like "Salah Ed-Din," a song that doesn't quite reach the heights to which it aspires. Nevertheless, the CD is definitely one of Maddy's best. One wonders where in history she will turn next. Review by "Mark E. Askren" (www.amazon.co.uk)

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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