Iain Matthews (Fairport Convention, Matthews Southern Comfort, U.K. #1 hit 'Woodstock', U.S. top-twenty hit 'Shake It') and Andy Roberts (The Liverpool Scene, 'Nina & The Dream Tree', GRIMMS, European touring guitar player for Pink Floyd's 'The Wall') are making a long overdue U.S. Midwest appearance under the Plainsong banner supporting their new album titled "Reinventing Richard" The Songs Of Richard Fariña. Released in the USA on OmnivoreRecordings. They will pay homage to Richard by playing a collection of his songs as well as a variety of songs from Plainsong's catalogue, including their 1972 classic album "In Search of Amelia Earhart". This will be a rare opportunity for fans of West Coast and British folk music as well as Richard and Mimi Fariña.

Plainsong was first conceived and formed by Iain Matthews and Andy Roberts, in 1972. After a relatively successful album, " In search of Amelia Earhart," the group disbanded and Iain moved to California.

Fast forward to 1993 and miraculously, Plainsong was reborn and instrumentaist supreme, Mark Griffiths was added to the lineup. More than 20 years later, the passion and urgency to record and tour still remains and Plainsong now brings you what might just be their best album to date. " Reinventing Richard " The songs of Richard Farina. Released on Omnivore recordings, on September 11th. 2015. Here's what Iain has to say about the experience:

“Going into a collaborative recording project, one never knows what the outcome might be, apart from 'unique.' It's been several years since Andy Roberts and I last worked together and even longer since our last recording sessions and in such a space of time, influences and tastes change. Throw in the impracticality and the unpredictability of having two different recording locations. Andy in Brighton, Griff in his rural setup in Bringhurst and me in my own domain, here in the Netherlands. Files zipping (literally) back and forth, as the ideas flowed. 'Yes, that's great Andy…could you…' No, no….please Griff, think that one through again' Loads more of that please.'

“However, the surprise element is always the most exciting aspect of doing it this way and we had it, in aces. From Andy's acoustic blues take on, 'Lemonade Lady', to Mark Griffiths pseudo Shadows track, 'Almond Joy' and my thought to not try and better Sandy Denny's version of 'Quiet joys' (impossible) but to reinterpret it as a couple of instrumental moments. Then…and….now, bookending the album.

“We sat down in our respective studios, with the common aim of 'reinventing' these songs in whatever way felt natural. The most wonderful aspect of working this way, is that it's all such an instant, soul feeding experience. We each had different visions on pretty much all the songs and at the end of the day the most attractive and unique take, won out. Working separately and as a unit, to make a seamless patchwork quilt of music.

“Given the logistical and equipment challenges involved, (both studios were hopelessly outdated) I think it turned out pretty damned good.”

http://www.andyrobertsmusic.com/music_plainsong.html