The Green Man was released in 2000 and is the 21st studio album by Roy Harper.
History
The album takes its name from an ancient character / representation found, principally, throughout Western Europe. The Green Man may be carved in stone or wood, found in churches, or painted on pub signage and is usually a representation of a face surrounded by (or made from) leaves. Harper's face can also be seen within the leaves upon the album's cover.
Canadian musician Jeff Martin plays a variety of instruments on eight of the album's eleven songs.
I had an idea to keep this record purely acoustic. I succeeded in the main. The only non-acoustic instrument is John Fitzgerald's Fender Rhodes sound on "The Monster". I felt like I wanted to go back to my real roots. It did me good. I decided not to have bass and drums as such. Not because I've become anti rhythm section or anything stupid, but because I needed to get nearer to the real heart of me.
I recorded the songs entirely alone other than when Jeff (Martin) was in the studio. (14 days). Jeff gave me a hand when it came to recording his bits. I particularly like his mandolin on "Sexy Woman". Jeff brought 2 items into the place. A great heart: and complete chaos. We had quite a time...[2]
Track listing
All tracks credited to Roy Harper except "The Apology" - Jeff Martin / Roy Harper
