Magna Carta announce major career overview

Beautifully packaged career overview compiled in conjunction with Magna Carta founder member singer/songwriter Chris Simpson 

Magna Carta
Chris Simpson photographed by Dai Jeffries
  • One of British folk’s most well-respected acoustic groups anthologised on 3CDs 
  • Includes The Fields of Eden album plus their 50th anniversary concert on DVD 
  • Booklet includes an essay by Nigel Schofield with recollections from Chris Simpson, Magna Carta leader 
  • Released to coincide with Magna Carta’s 2022 Wind In The Wires farewell tour 
  • More than four hours of recordings – superb sound & vision throughout 

In 2019 Magna Carta, the acoustic group fronted by singer/songwriter Chris Simpson, celebrated their 50th anniversary. Sadly, celebrations were curtailed by the pandemic and a tour was twice postponed. Now rescheduled for Sept/Oct 2022, Repertoire are proud to present this beautifully packaged 3CD/DVD set compiled in conjunction with Chris Simpson and with an essay by broadcaster Nigel Schofield.

Comprising over four hours of recordings, it is a must for all Magna Carta fans. Formed in London and initially inspired by the stylings of Simon & Garfunkel, the group – Harrogate-born Chris Simpson (guitar, vocals), Australian Lyell Tranter (guitar, vocals) and vocalist Glen Stuart – proved such a success they would go on to record 30 albums including six gold and three silver discs.

Their blend of Prog-infused folk drew influence from Chris’ musical favourites among them Martin Carthy, Davey Graham and Alexis Korner. When Lyell returned to his native Oz, Davey Johnstone (later of Elton John’s band) stepped in. When All Is Said And Done presents a stunning career overview featuring an array of album tracks and other recordings from the 70s up to and including 2015’s magnificent The Fields Of Eden. Lauded as a masterpiece on its release, Chris Simpson’s ode to his beloved “northlands of England” is a love letter to the Yorkshire dales.

By way of a bonus, the band’s January 2020 concert at Ripley in Yorkshire – performed prior to lockdown restrictions – was filmed and appears here on DVD to complete the set. 

 Artists’ website: https://www.magnacarta-music.com/

‘Times Of Change’ – the way they were: