The Classic Transatlantic Recordings: 1965-1972
Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 03/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a marvelous budget-priced collection of the original Transatlantic recordings from Bert Jansch and John Renbourn between 1965 and 1972 as solo artists, as a duet, and in a group format with their ground-breaking band Pentangle. Purists may look down their nose at this two-hour-plus collection, preferring instead the original albums. But if you're looking for a solid overview of these two influential guitarists, there is much to enjoy here. Disc one begins with a couple tracks from Bert Jansch's 1965 LP LUCKY THIRTEEN which also features John Renbourn. "Lost Lover Blues," "Can't Keep From Crying" and "Nobody's Fault But Mine" from John Renbourn's 1966 LP ANOTHER MONDAY mark the first appearance of vocalist Jacqui McShee (although it should be noted her vocals are subordinate to Renbourn's lead vocals on all three tracks). When Pentangle formed in 1967, it brought together Jansch, Renbourn, McShee and bassist Danny Thompson and percussionist Terry Cox. Their first single, the non-LP "Travelling Song," features the vocals of Jansch and McShee and a string section. While other British folk groups of the era (notably Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span) brought rock elements to their sound, the Pentangle seldom used electric guitars. Instead they broadened the boundaries of traditional folk music to include elements of blues and jazz. Jansch and Renbourn are perhaps the cornerstones of the British folk scene and they are both excellent guitarists. [Although Jansch occasionally plays banjo, like on "The Wagoner's Lad," and on "Lord Franklin" he plays concertina.]Highlights include "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," "Pentangling," "Sweet Child" and "Sylvie." The songs are presented in (mostly) chronological order, beginning with "Lucky Thirteen" from Jansch's 1965 album IT DON'T BOTHER ME, through "Shake Shake Mama" from Renbourn's 1972 album, FARO ANNIE. "Light Flight," which closes disc two, was a Top 40 British hit in 1969 but not included on a Pentangle album. This is essential listening for fans of British folk. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
Track Listings (36) - Disc #1