return of the sophisticated beggar

“Sophisticated Beggar” is the 1966 debut album for Roy Harper, one of England’s most influential musicians (acknowledged by the likes of Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, Fleet Foxes and Kate Bush, to name only a few). Recorded under primitive circumstances and not distributed well on initial release, Harper’s debut proves that the definitive cult folk-rock singer’s idiosyncratic weirdness was firmly in place from the start. Contributions to the album were made by The Strawbs lead-guitarist Paul Brett and Bert Jansch. The participation of Ritchie Blackmore (on “Committed”?) and John Renbourn is revealed in Roy Harper’s liner notes. Harper was awarded the MOJO Hero award.

Track Listing:

• China Girl
• Goldfish
• Sophisticated Beggar
• My Friend
• Big Fat Silver Aeroplane
• Blackpool
• Legend
• Girlie
• October 12th
• Black Clouds
• Mr. Satiotnmaster
• Forever
• Committed