Howard Bass - Fantasies, Ayres and Dances (1982) Vinyl LP • Lute, James Bowman

Catalog Number:

RT-101

Musical Styles:

1980s, Ballad, Ceremonial, Chanson, Chorale, English Folk, Fantasia, Folk Dances, Instrumental, Madrigal, Minuet, Suite

Sleeve Grade:

Near Mint (NM or M-)

Record Grade:

Very Good (VG)

Condition Details:

Still in ORIGINAL SHRINK-WRAP (opened). Vinyl plays with crackles and some clicks (play-graded). Cover has a few creases near edges; slight discoloration on back. Inner-sleeve is original (lyrics); bottom seam partially split. Spine is easy-to-read with very mild-wear. Little shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge; minor wear to corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and a few divots. (Not a cut-out.)

Tracks:

1. Fantasía Que Contrahaze La Harpa En La Manera De Ludovico
2. Fantasía
3. De Los Alamos Vengo, Madre
4. Robin Is To The Greenwood Gone
5. The Cobbler
6. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
7. Sorrow, Stay
8. Fantasie
9. Here The Deities Approve
10. Suite In G Minor BWV 995

About The Record:

Fantasies, Ayres and Dances, by Howard Bass, showcases a collection of Renaissance and Baroque lute solos alongside four vocal pieces performed with English countertenor James Bowman. The album highlights Bass's skill in interpreting early music, featuring dance-inspired compositions and lyrical ayres from the 16th and 17th centuries, a period when the lute was a prominent instrument in European courts and households. Its historical significance lies in its contribution to the revival of interest in lute music during the late 20th century, a time when early music ensembles and soloists worked to bring historical performance practices to modern audiences. Bass produced the album himself, and it was sold in conjunction with his performances and in local stores, reflecting a grassroots effort to promote the lute's legacy. There are no widely documented hit singles from Fantasies, Ayres and Dances, as the album focuses on instrumental and vocal works from the Renaissance and Baroque eras rather than commercial singles.