Nic Jones’ wonderful 1980 release, Penguin Eggs, was named Folk Album Of The Year by both Melody Maker and Folk Roots and has subsequently been called one of the 100 Greatest British Albums.
This mature work of a brilliant song-interpreter and guitarist, packed with fresh songs and novel settings, is rendered all the more valuable by the scarcity of his recordings. When Bob Dylan appropriated his arrangement of Canadee-I-O, it was just one sign of Jones’ status among musicians as well as lay listeners.
Nic Jones’ note on the original 1980 release:
“All the songs on this record have been learned from books, tapes, records and scraps of paper, all sent to me by friends that I have made around the folk club scene. I hope that the songs haven’t been damaged too much in transit.”
“Penguin Eggs may be the best British acoustic folk album ever made” Stuart Maconie, BBC Radio 2
“This is simply the most committed folk music ever recorded. Jones’ guitar playing is diamond-hard while his vocals hit both head and heart. A written in stone masterpiece from a true folk icon.” All time classic album – HMV Choice
“Penguin Eggs should be in every folkie’s music collection. It is one of those rare, nearly perfect recordings.” Celtic Heritage
1 Canadee-I-O
2 The Drowned Lovers
3 The Humpback Whale
4 The Little Pot Stove
5 Courting Is A Pleasure
6 Barrack Street
7 Planxty Davis
8 The Flandyke Shore
9 Farewell to the Gold
Nic Jones – vocals, guitar, fiddle
with
Tony Hall – melodeon
Bridget Danby – recorders, vocals
Dave Burland – vocals
