Steeleye Span

SINCE THE formation of the first traditional, electric folk supergroup, to lump together every possible stigmatic cliché that was attached to them, Steeleye Span have undergone a lot of personnel changes and musical changes brought about as a result.

Finally this Autumn, they embarked somewhat tentatively on their first American tour as support band to Procol Harum — and the result was an instant smash.

Their rustic, English country approach completely captured the imagination of a tired American public craving for new sounds, so much so that Steeleye's Latin carol 'Gaudete' became a sensation wherever they played.

Tim Hart, guitarist and dulcimer player, was one of the founder members of the band, which in its time has featured Tyger Hutchings, Terry and Gay Woods and Marin Carthy.

Two days after Steeleye's triumphant return I spoke to Tim in his London flat, finding that he was still suffering the effects of jet lag despite a long sleep.