"Fairport Live Convention" is a live album by British folk rock band, Fairport Convention. Released in 1974, it was the first album that the band released under the name "Fairport" rather than "Fairport Convention". However, subsequent reissues have reverted to the original name.
The album was recorded in January 1974 during the band's British winter tour. The line-up included Simon Nicol, Dave Pegg, Dave Swarbrick, and Dave Mattacks, with the singer Sandy Denny rejoining the group that year, making her comeback after her solo career.
Featured songs range across the band's career up to that point and include Sandy Denny's solo song, "Solo." The performances are notable for their energy and an immediacy that contrasts the studio versions of the songs.
The album was produced by Trevor Lucas and John Wood. It received mixed reviews, with some people appreciating the live performances, and others faulting it for failed to capture the ambience of a live concert. Notably, it was the last album that featured Sandy Denny; she left the group later in the year.
Overall, it's principally viewed as a transitional album, bringing together elements of Fairport Convention's earlier style with Denny's unique voice, at the same time as foreshadowing their future direction.
