BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE - Fire & Fleet & Candlelight 12" Vinyl LP Album

- From Heartfelt Ballads to Psychedelic Anthems

"Fire & Fleet & Candlelight", Album Description:

Buffy Sainte-Marie's 1967 album, "Fire & Fleet & Candlelight", marked a bold turning point in the artist's already compelling career. Departing from the stark acoustic folk of her early releases, Sainte-Marie crafted a sonic landscape of eclecticism and experimentation on this record. Themes of love, loss, societal critique, and Indigenous heritage weave through the album, showcasing Sainte-Marie's artistry as both a songwriter and a fearless musical innovator.

Beyond the Folk Sound

While Sainte-Marie's earlier albums were primarily centered on acoustic guitar and her powerful vocals, "Fire & Fleet & Candlelight" introduces a vibrant array of instrumentation. Lush string arrangements intertwine with traditional folk elements like banjo and acoustic guitar. Sainte-Marie also boldly incorporates electronic textures, most notably through the use of the Buchla synthesizer, adding a layer of avant-garde intrigue to tracks like "Summer Boy" and "The Carousel".

Thematic Depth

Sainte-Marie's songwriting shines on this album. The achingly beautiful "The Circle Game" laments the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change. Her exploration of Indigenous heritage surfaces in songs like "The Wedding Song" and "Doggett's Gap," which delve into Native American traditions and historical figures. Yet, Sainte-Marie also confronts societal issues, such as war and exploitation, as evidenced in the starkly evocative "97 Men in This Here Town...".

Experimental Brilliance

The influence of producer Maynard Solomon is evident throughout the album. His willingness to embrace unorthodox production techniques lends an experimental edge to songs like "Reynardine-A Vampire Legend," with its eerie, multi-layered vocals. However, Sainte-Marie's characteristic vocals and the emotional weight of her lyrics remain central, guiding listeners through this sonic journey