Below the Salt

Below The Salt
Studio album by Steeleye Span
Released	September 1972
Recorded	May – June, 1972 Sound Techniques, Chelsea, London
Genre	Electric folk, folk
Length	39:42
Label	Chrysalis
Producer	Steeleye Span and Jerry Boys
Steeleye Span chronology
Ten Man Mop, or Mr. Reservoir Butler Rides Again (1971) Below the Salt (1972) Parcel of Rogues (1973)

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Below the Salt is the fourth studio album by Steeleye Span. The album takes medieval influence and combines it with the band's electric folk style. The lineup on the album includes Bob Johnson and Rick Kemp making their debut for the band.^[1]

Recording sessions took place in Chelsea London at Sound Techniques studios between May and June 1972.^[2] Tracks were mainly chosen by Tim Hart and Maddy Prior, but it was Johnson who suggested the band added their later Christmas hit "Gaudete". They self-produced the album because they could not yet find a replacement after Sandy Roberton departed.^[3]

"Gaudete" became the band's first hit, reaching number 14 on the UK charts. To give the impression of the choristers approaching and then moving away, the song was given a long fade-in and -out on the album.^[4] The single release, however, featured no fade.

By this point, Ashley Hutchings had left the band, leaving Maddy Prior and Tim Hart as the only remaining founding members. The album reached number 43 in the UK album charts.^[5]

Track listing

All songs on the album are traditional, adapted by Steeleye Span

1. "Spotted Cow"
2. "Rosebud in June"
3. "Jigs: The Bride's Favourite/Tansey's Fancy"
4. "Sheep-crook and Black Dog"
5. "Royal Forester"
6. "King Henry"
7. "Gaudete"
8. "John Barleycorn"
9. "Saucy Sailor"

Personnel

• Maddy Prior - vocals
• Tim Hart - vocals, appalachian dulcimer, guitar
• Peter Knight - violin, viola, mandolin, banjo, piano, vocals
• Rick Kemp - bass, drum, vocals
• Bob Johnson - guitar, vocals

References