Singer/songwriter Pete Ryder was a key player on two of the most rare and sought-after private folk albums from the UK: Paradise Square and Cair Paravel. Paradise Square was his first project, a group formed at Sheffield University’s Christian Union in the early 70s. In 1974, the band released their only album as a private pressing of 100 copies (five stars in the Pokora book).
Fragile, homemade lo-fi psychedelic folk with acoustic guitars, violin, delicate male-female vocals, Xian overtones and hints of Incredible String Band or Dando Shaft.
Remastered sound, repro of the original insert plus liner notes by Richard Allen (Shindig!).
“Positively gorgeous UK acoustic folk private from the same team responsible for the Pete Ryder and Cair Paravel albums. Delicate dual acoustic guitar work and soft male/female vocals define the group’s sound, combining to fashion a fragile melancholy presence. Periodic glimmers of respected artists like Presence and Water Into Wine Band. A five-star record and one of the most impressive entries from the whole UK progressive folk scene. ” -Ken Scott (Archivist)
“Paradise Square issued their album only as a demo. Musically offers downbeat, loner hippie folk in the style of many of the releases on the Holyground label.” -Richard Falk (Galactic Ramble)
Tracklist:
Never Thought I’d See The Day – Freedom – Bird in a Cage – Rosemary’s Song – Ask Me Who I Am – Lorraine – A Song For Judas – Winter Lady – The Lord Jesus Said – Spaces – Lead Me To Jesus – Lullaby – Day Sinks