As I mentioned last time, the CD insert contains some unique notes, which are signed off like this:
“Ian Burgess
Friends of Fairport Sept 2002”.
They kick off thus:
“What are “The Airing Cupboard Tapes” all about then? Some of you ask….
Well it’s Fairport taking the lead, and not for the first time in the history of the band. This time it was by releasing recordings made over the years from their personal archives, enabling those fans not present at a particular show to hear some of the fun that happened, marvel at an exceptional performance, or the addition of a guest. These days it has become commonplace for bands to release tapes recorded as these were, but here you get the chance to sit back and listen to an early example of a band providing an insight into its working life.
The availability of this release means that many more fans can now complete their collection, with this rarity. The original was a somewhat limited release, sold by mail order and at concerts by a band that at the time didn’t actually exist. Officially that is, but if you know the band’s history you will remember that apart from the annual reunion festival at Cropredy there were also tours and festival appearances.”
More of these notes next time.
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