Sandy

Known for her time as vocalist in Fairport Convention and respected globally as Robert Plant's first Alison Krauss (duetting with him on Led Zeppelin's 'The Battle of Evermore'), Sandy Denny left a beguiling, ever-evolving body of work - Kate Bush was to namecheck her in song, and Denny's infuence can be heard in generations of singer-songwriters. From its David Bailey cover photo inwards, 1972's 'Sandy' is arguably the definitive Sandy Denny album. Recorded at John Wood's Sound Techniques studio, and produced by Trevor Lucas, it adds some special guests into its mix - 'Sneaky' Pete Kleinow from The Flying Burrito Brothers enhances 'It'll Take a Long Time' with his unmistakable pedal steel playing, and New Orleans legend Allan Toussaint adds a brass arrangement to 'For Nobody to Hear'. But it is Denny's album. Often, it is impossible not be stopped in your tracks by that beautiful, long gone yet so-full-of-life voice, especially on two of her career-bests - 'The Lady' and 'Listen, Listen'.