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Phoenyx — Keepers of the Flame
(Prometheus Music PM-1008, 1991/2025, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2025-08-25

Keepers of the Flame Cover art

Somewhere back in the mists of history, I discovered English folk-rock. I can’t say if it was Fairport Convention or Steeleye Span that I came across first, but I was immediately hooked. And I don’t know if it’s the fact that my ancestry is pretty much 100% British Isles or not, but I love the sound of old folk songs done with rock energy and electricity. Since that discovery, I’ve investigated deeper into the genre, branching out to Irish, Breton, Cornish, and other areas, and I continue to find new gems. Case in point: Phoenyx, a San Francisco band of the late 80s that was apparently quite popular in local Irish pubs as well as creatively anachronistic festivals. They released the album Keepers of the Flame in 1991 in a small run of CDs, which quickly sold out, but then the band broke up and the album disappeared into obscurity and the realm of high-price collector’s items. Fast forward 35 years, and it’s now available again — and there are hints that more Phoenyx music from the vaults may see the light of day. Keepers of the Flame features thirteen tracks, a mixture of traditional tunes and originals by violinist Heather Alexander, guitarist Mark Ungar, or violinist Cat Taylor. The band was rounded out by John Land on bass and flute, and Larry “The O” on drums and producing. All of them sing, with leads from Alexander, Taylor, and Ungar. From start to finish, it’s a rousing Celtic party, touching on familiar tunes like “Banish Misfortune,” “Lark in the Morning,” and “Swallowtail Jig”; the originals range from adaptations of traditional songs like “King of Elfland’s Daughter” and the sea chanty “What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor?” to originals that don’t sound at all out of place. For any fan of folk-rock, Phoenyx is a sure winner, worthy of mention with the more famous proponents of the genre.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases, 1991 recordings

Related artist(s): Phoenyx

More info
http://www.prometheus-music.com/product/keepers/

 

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