Before The Day Is Done -The Story Of Folk Heritage Records 1968-1975 (3CD)

Two CD anthology of the fiercely-collected Folk Heritage label and related satellites/ spin-offs. Four-hour compilation featuring tracks from some of the most valuable British folk albums of the early 70s. Third instalment of Grapefruit's underground British folk triptych that started with much- acclaimed releases 'Dust On The Nettles' and 'Sumer Is Icumen In'. Founded in the Greater Manchester area in 1968 by the late Alan Green, the Folk Heritage label and it's subsequent associated imprints - Midas, Sweet Folk & Country, Westwood, Real - was an obscure but dedicated home for the grass-roots element of the British folk boom. Throughout the 70s, Folk Heritage and it's offshoots released limited-edition pressings of albums by various bands and singers, most of whom were active on the thriving north-west England folk club circuit. With most releases limited to 200 copies or less, and only available from the folk club where the performer was resident, many of the albums have gone on to become hugely collectable. Before The Day Is Done assembles the cream of the label's roster during it's late 60s/early 70s heyday. It features tracks from the rarest, most valuable releases, including legendary-among-collectors names like Gallery, The Oldest Proffession, Folkal Point, The Minor Birds, Mike Raven/Joan Mills and Spinning Jenny. Folk club stalwarts like The Taverners, Rosie Hardman and The Harvesters are also represented, while there's also space for bands of a more folk-rock persuasion (Saraband, Stained Glass, Music Box) and acoustic guitar-wielding singer-songwriters (Christie Hennessy, Janet Jones, Jancis Harvey, Stuart Marson, etc).