Iain Matthews & No Grey Faith – The Songs of British Folk-Rock Singer Sandy Denny

For fans of British folk and folk-rock, this is a rare opportunity to experience the music of Sandy Denny through the voices and musicianship of artists deeply connected to her legacy. Featuring former Fairport Convention member Iain Matthews alongside No Grey Faith, this special tribute honors one of the most influential songwriters and vocalists in folk music. Drawing from Denny’s celebrated catalog, along with select Fairport Convention material, the group delivers thoughtful, acoustic roots-driven performances that highlight the emotional depth and enduring power of these songs. Join us in the intimate setting of Godfrey Daniels, the Lehigh Valley’s premier Live Music Listening Room, for an evening that celebrates timeless songwriting and musical history.

IAIN MATTHEWS & NO GREY FAITH
iainmatthews.nl

Iain Matthews & No Grey Faithʼs “Songs of Sandy Denny” is a  tribute project honoring one of the most distinctive and influential voices in British folk music, and featuring the man who shared a stage with her for two years. Drawing from Sandyʼs rich catalogue, the group brings fresh life to her songs while staying true to their  emotional depth, poetic power, and quiet intensity. With reverence rather than nostalgia, No Grey Faith celebrates Dennyʼs legacy with performances that are intimate, honest, and deeply felt.

Featuring legendary ex-Fairport Convention singer/songwriter/ guitarist Iain Matthews, plus husband and wife team, guitarist/ mandolinist Jim Fogarty, and New Zealand native, vocalist/ songwriter Lindsay Gilmour. The quartet is rounded out with fretless bassist and producer Walt Rich.  

No Grey Faith blends Sandy Dennyʼs magnificent songwriting with an acoustic roots-driven sound. The show will feature both Sandyʼs songs and a selection of Fairport Convention, reimagined. This is music for anyone whoʼs always loved Sandyʼs writing but never had the honor of seeing her live. Donʼt miss it.  

Look for Iain Matthews & No Grey Faithʼs new cd in September of 2026, “The Songs of Sandy Denny” on Heyday Again Records.

Iain Matthews

• Former member of Fairport Convention, Plainsong, No Grey Faith, and Matthews’ Southern Comfort, among others.

• Has recorded with Sandy Denny, Eliza Gilkyson, Egbert Derix, and Elliott Murphy, and many more.

• Charted hits with covers as varied as “Woodstock” (Joni Mitchell), “Shake It” (Terence Boylan), and “Give Me An Inch” (Robert Palmer).

• Early ’80s band Hi-Fi was a collaboration between Iain and former Pavlov’s Dog member, David Surkamp.

Iain Matthews first gained attention as a founding member and vocalist for the innovative Fairport Convention’s first three albums, changing the voice of folk music in his country. He moved on to create Matthews’ Southern Comfort, exploring his interest in American music. They had a No 1 hit in Europe with Joni Mitchell’s ‘Woodstock’. Never one to stand still for very long Iain moved on during the 1970’s with another group, Plainsong. An ensemble with British songwriter Andy Roberts, that allowed Iain to blossom as a writer himself and an agile acoustic guitarist. Between his own solo recording and various Plainsong line-ups Iain released ten albums to critical acclaim including another well known Top Ten US hit with the single ‘Shake It’.

During the early 1980’s Matthews turned towards the business side of music as a rep for Island Records, (an A&R man) but was persuaded by Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin to get back to making music.He returned to the USA for more solo work and Plainsong records. During this period he recorded a wonderful version of Peter Gabriel’s ‘Mercy Street”, contributed to a Phil Ochs’s Tribute album and recorded plus toured with Nanci Griffith. Before finally leaving the USA, he released another highly respected record with the somewhat sarcastic title “Excerpts from Swine Lake”.

In 2000 Matthews settled in the Netherlands and found a busy, happy life in Europe with more touring of the UK and continent. Yet more well received collaborative recordings were issued including a Tribute album to Sandy Denny. Since settling in the lowlands Matthews found some of his most sympathetic musical companions, in the jazz pianist Egbert Derix, American guitarist Jim Fogarty and multi instrumentalist B.J. Baartmans. Despite these superb collaborations, plus a unique partnership with Norwegian alternative rock band, The Salmon Smokers, resulting in one of his most imaginative albums to date , ” Fake Tan”, Matthews now feels he has finally found an almost perfect musical sweet spot, playing solo, in support of one of his more recent solo recordings, the acoustic “A Baker’s Dozen”.

With time now no longer an ally, (Matthews has recently entered his 78th year) later this year (2024) he will release his 38th solo recording, intriguingly titled ” How much is enough”. Is this some sort of message to the music community at large, or simply another teasing album title. Time will indeed show the wiser. As his 60 years (can this be true) in the business prove, things do come around again and again and again…. and until further notice, Iain Matthews, guitar in hand and songs springing from his muse, is available for bookings..

Sandy Denny
1947-1978

Born Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny in London in 1947, Sandy Denny emerged from the British folk club scene in the mid-1960s, quickly establishing herself as one of the most distinctive voices of her generation. After early solo performances and a brief stint with The Strawbs, she recorded the first version of her now-classic song “Who Knows Where the Time Goes?”, a composition that would later become an international folk standard. In 1968, Denny joined Fairport Convention, helping shape the band’s groundbreaking blend of traditional British folk music and rock. Her work on landmark albums including What We Did on Our Holidays, Unhalfbricking, and Liege & Lief helped define the folk-rock genre and cemented her reputation as both a singer and songwriter.

After leaving Fairport Convention in 1969, Denny formed Fotheringay before launching a celebrated solo career. Albums such as The North Star Grassman and the Ravens, Sandy, and Like an Old Fashioned Waltz showcased her gift for deeply expressive songwriting and earned her recognition as one of Britain’s finest female vocalists. Her influence extended beyond folk music; in 1971 she became the only guest vocalist ever to appear on a Led Zeppelin studio album, singing alongside Robert Plant on “The Battle of Evermore.” Twice voted Britain’s Best Female Singer by Melody Maker, Denny remains one of the most respected figures in British music.

Despite her artistic success, personal struggles and health issues increasingly affected her later years. Following the release of her final studio album, Rendezvous, and the birth of her daughter Georgia, Denny’s life was cut tragically short when she died from a cerebral haemorrhage in April 1978 at the age of 31. Though her career lasted little more than a decade, her recordings, songwriting, and singular voice continue to inspire generations of folk and folk-rock artists.

READ MORE ON: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jan/08/sandy-denny-folk-music-singer

AND: https://www.wyomingpublicmedia.org/2010-06-14/sandy-denny-mercurial-queen-of-british-folk-rock