Decidedly a candidate for the title of best folk drummer in England, Mattacks has, while holding down the drum throne in Fairport Convention on and off since 1969 (following the death of Martin Lamble in a car accident), played with most of the notable English folk artists working from the late '60s onwards, as well as working sessions for many of the lesser known performers. His list of credits is impressive, easily matching that of bassist Danny Thompson. His strong, crisp percussion style is much in demand, leading to his latest departure from Fairport Convention in 1998, though history indicates that this is likely to be temporary. ~ Steven McDonald