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THE REVIEW
Okay, I admit it, I have a weakness for British folk, whether it mixes blues and jazz, has precious arrangements, or where the acoustic guitar takes the lead or the "padrona" since it's feminine.
This album, quite old since it's from 1965, belongs to the last "family" mentioned above; in fact, here a very young Bert Jansch accompanies his songs solely and exclusively with his intimate and melancholic guitar. The album, in fact, was recorded with a portable recorder in his London apartment at the time.
The album went rather unnoticed by most, even though, in reality, his "finger-picking," that unmistakable way of plucking the strings, soon influenced artists such as Nick Drake (who also covered "Strolling down the highway", contained in the album) and John Martyn to stay on the British island, but also Neil Young and Paul Simon across the ocean.
The album's atmospheres bring to mind both the early Dylan and the compatriot Donovan; however, Jansch's songs immediately appear darker, bittersweet, and decidedly less pop than some of the good Donovan's releases.
Intimate songs, primarily centered on love and friendship, but also drugs like "Needle of Death"... little folk gems interspersed with exclusively instrumental pieces where Jansch's virtuosity truly shines, such as "Alice's in Wonderland" by Charlie Mingus.
Highly recommended to fans of the genre and also to nostalgics of the atmospheres of an unrepeatable era.
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Summary by Bot
This 1965 album by Bert Jansch showcases his melancholic and intimate finger-picking guitar style. Recorded in his London apartment, it deeply influenced British and American folk legends like Nick Drake and Neil Young. The songs mix themes of love, friendship, and darker subjects, wrapped in authentic folk atmospheres. The review highly recommends it to fans of British folk and vintage acoustic music.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
02 Smokey River (02:57)
03 Oh How Your Love Is Strong (03:40)
06 Rambling's Gonna Be the Death (03:18)
07 Veronica (01:32)
09 Do Tou Hear Me Now? (02:07)
10 Alice's Wonderland (01:47)
12 Courting Blues (04:01)
13 Casbah (02:12)
17 The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face (01:47)
19 The Gardener (01:48)
21 Henry Martin (03:15)
22 Black Water Side (03:49)
23 Pretty Polly (04:03)
Bert Jansch
Scottish guitarist-singer and key voice of the British folk revival, Bert Jansch co-founded Pentangle and defined modern acoustic fingerstyle. His 1965 debut and later classics influenced artists from Nick Drake to Jimmy Page. Active from 1960 until his death on October 5, 2011 (lung cancer).03 Reviews
