Mythic Times - Robin Williamson & His Merry Band, 1977

Mythic Times, off our first album, Journey's Edge, 1977.
I decided to put it to some stills and upload it for several reasons. First, it displays a depth of composition/arrangement I think unusual in folk bands at the time. It also pre-shadowed our later work, as we moved away from the more pop sound of the first album. Finally, it is probably the first time wire strung harp (me, Sylvia is on nylon strung) was recorded in North America, possibly the only other recording up to that time after Stivell's ground-breaking Renaissance of the Celtic Harp.
And I must say, after listening to it again after all this time, that Sylvia Woods' harp playing rocks! (We were also undoubtedly the first band to use two harps - Both made by Witcher, This album was recorded about half a year before Caswell Harps was started.)

[@symphonyingold]

I'll miss you, Chris, and so will all those you touched with your music. Deep gratitude for the gifts you left us with.

[@kenselcer]

This is a beautiful piece of music! Love it. Saw you play, before this, in New Jersey, in the early mid '70s. You were on a bill with Jim Croce. Thanks for the music. These are the mythic times!

[@sedna1011]

Chris Caswell, you and your music were a gift to the world. I loved listening to you from the first tour of the Merry Band until the day you crossed that Rainbow Bridge. Thank you.

[@rainbearcult]

You were all so beautiful, and still are. Thank you. When you played Charlottes Web, it was pure beauty transporting souls, thank you again. This is a joy to know this is online. Thank you from Orcas Island.

[@sedna1011]

In many ways, this song becomes more and more timely with each year. The Warriors of the Rainbow are rising and uniting in love. And I will always miss Chris, who was also known as the Harpist of Graton (the small town where I live, near his home). I have been listening to Robin and friends since I was 15, and found "The Big Huge" album. Thank you for everything.

[@davidevans3175]

I used to drive down the Taconic Pkwy from upstate New York to see you in Hopewell Junction, NY with the Merry Band. Long drive, tiny club, absolutely magical.

[@karenvarian1174]

Wonderful!!!!

[@sedna1011]

I remember when I lived in the high Sierra, and would journey down to Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, and the Great American Music Hall in S. F. to hear the Merry Band. Wonderful memories and times.

[@davidlenander]

I've always loved this track. From an absolutely terrific album that has worn well with age. I go back to it again and again. And I like the expanded version that I got on iTunes a while back. The extra tracks were not merely superfluous--though some seem more like Robin Williamson solo and less of a band feel.

[@lmbguitar]

It's great reading the nostalgic comments here, knowing that Journey's Edge was released back in 1977. I, myself - only having discovered the album a few months ago - am still freshly revelling in it's brilliance. Love it!

[@myearsloveit]

These ARE verily.

[@kstoph]

Lovely harps

[@myearsloveit]

💜