Rock Mandolin: Sylvan Song/Dream Of The Archer

Today’s mandolin selection is a live version of “Sylvan Song/Dream of the Archer,” which originally appeared on Heart’s “Little Queen” album from 1977. This live version features Nancy Wilson and Howard Leese on mandolins. Nancy is playing an F5 style that has no name on the headstock and Howard sports an Ovation model. The

The original recording may have had three mandolinists on it, but I don’t know for sure if all three individuals (Nancy Wilson, Roger Fisher, and Howard Leese) credited with playing mandolin on the album were on this particular song in those roles. Fisher co-wrote “Sylvan Song” with Nancy Wilson and “Dream of the Archer” with Ann and Nancy Wilson. I saw the band in early summer 1977 and I think only Roger Fisher and Nancy Wilson played mandolins on this tune live. Howard Leese was probably playing keyboards.

Studio Version

It sounds like there are only two mandolins on this song, but there is a third in the mix as the song progresses toward the end.  My guess is that Fisher and Nancy Wilson played the main parts and Howard Leese added the rhythm parts at the end.  Very nice indeed.