Magna Carta – Seasons

Magna Carta – Seasons

A beautiful and ambitious landmark of early-1970s British folk rock, Seasons is Magna Carta's celebrated second album and one of the most distinctive releases from the formative British progressive-folk scene. Originally released in 1970 on the pioneering Vertigo label, the album combines acoustic folk songwriting with orchestral arrangements, pastoral psychedelia, progressive rock touches and richly layered instrumentation.

At the heart of the record is the remarkable 22-minute Seasons suite, which occupies the entirety of Side A. Written as a musical journey through the changing seasons, the suite moves through Prologue, Winter Song, Spring Poem, Spring Song, Summer Poem, Summer Song, Autumn Song, Epilogue and Winter Song (Reprise). Its shifting arrangements and combination of songs, poetry and instrumental passages give the album a distinctly progressive character while retaining Magna Carta's fundamentally acoustic folk sound.

Magna Carta were founded by singer-songwriter Chris Simpson, and Seasons captures the group during an especially interesting period in their development. The record features an impressive cast of musicians, including future Yes keyboard legend Rick Wakeman, guitarist Davey Johnstone, later famous for his long association with Elton John, and bassist and arranger Tony Visconti, who would go on to become one of rock's most celebrated producers. The album was produced by Gus Dudgeon, another major figure in British studio history.

While Side A is dominated by the expansive title suite, Side B offers a series of shorter and more accessible songs. Goin' My Way (Road Song) introduces a warm, travelling folk-rock feel, followed by the atmospheric Elizabethian and the reflective Give Me No Goodbye. Ring Of Stones brings a darker, more earthy quality, while Scarecrow provides another beautifully understated folk composition.

The album closes with Airport Song, one of Magna Carta's best-known songs and a key reason for the album's commercial success. The song was inspired by Chris Simpson becoming stranded during his first flight, transforming an everyday travel mishap into one of the band's most memorable compositions.

For fans of Magna Carta, British folk rock, progressive folk, psychedelic folk, acoustic prog and early-1970s Vertigo releases, Seasons is a highly recommended addition to any vinyl collection. Its combination of pastoral songwriting, acoustic guitars, orchestral colour and progressive ambition places it firmly among the more intriguing records from the golden era of British folk rock.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Prologue
2. Winter Song
3. Spring Poem
4. Spring Song
5. Summer Poem
6. Summer Song
7. Autumn Song
8. Epilogue
9. Winter Song (Reprise)

Side B

1. Goin' My Way (Road Song)
2. Elizabethian
3. Give Me No Goodbye
4. Ring Of Stones
5. Scarecrow
6. Airport Song