To describe this as an extensive Pentangle boxset is something of an understatement: across 14 LPs are the band’s first six studio albums, and a whole host of additional material.
Pentangle were formed in London in 1967. The original band was active in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and a later version has been active since the early 1980s. The original line-up, which was unchanged throughout the band’s first incarnation (1967–1973), was Jacqui McShee (vocals); John Renbourn (vocals and guitar); Bert Jansch (vocals and guitar); Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums). They have been described the first folk supergroup – both guitarists Renbourn and Jansch were already successful (if you haven’t checked out Jansch’s first solo album from 1965: please do so), while the rhythm section had played together in Alexis Korner‘s band. To top it off, they had the gorgeous vocals of McShee who was already well-known in folk clubs.
Of course, maybe to describe the band simply as a folk group is to understate things. Much like the likes of contemporary acts like Steeleye Span, Fairport Convention and the Incredible String Band they weren’t just drawing on old traditions simply to pickle in aspic but forging out something new. In Pentangle’s case, this included jazz, blues, pop and psychedelia to produce something truly distinguished and distinctive. It has been said that the light that burns twice as bright burns half as long – in this initial period, they released six albums, something that would be almost unthinkable in any genre today (at least, signed to a major label). It may have taken its toll, but the pleasure is certainly ours.
The first album opens with their sublime version of the traditional ‘Let No Man Steal Your Thyme.’ An excellent entry point for sure, but what’s also interesting in terms of explaining what might distinguish them from other acts of the period (see above) is the jazz influence on the next two tracks ‘Bells’ and ‘Hear My Call.’ Barely half an hour long, it set out their stall and if they had never made another record together, it would have ensured a place in musical history.
It might seem surprising that the band’s first concert was at the Royal Festival Hall; however, it makes more sense given that they had a fairly impressive reputation individually. Thus the band’s second album Sweet Child is made up partly of this concert and also of an even further-reaching explorations in the studio, taking in both Charlie Mingus and early music. But it was their third album Basket Of Light, which saw them reach the highest charting album of their career (no.5 if you’re counting). Highlights of this disc include ‘Once I Had a Sweetheart‘, the medieval-sounding ‘Lyke Wake Dirge’ and the epic ‘Hunting Song.’ I probably shouldn’t say this in the context of the review but…if you were only going to buy one Pentangle album (for shame!) it should be this one, which even saw them bother the lower regions of the UK singles chart twice.
Yet after this the band are perceived to have entered something of a decline – which must have been something to do with the public and not a reflection on these good, er, folk. Cruel Sister was considered something of a disaster after Basket, which seems insane, an entirely traditional album. The second half of the album contains the epic 19-minute long ‘Jack Orion‘ which is a fantastic musical journey, and in the old days would have been considered worth the price of entry alone.
1971’s Reflection was recorded at a time of tension within the group, yet it holds up well, and on the opening track ‘Wedding Dress‘ mixing in country and celtic whilst reaching across the ocean with a fantastic bluegrass meets gospel version of ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken?’ The final album was 1972’s Solomon’s Seal Supposedly something of a disappointment (if you read up on this online), a lovely version of ‘The Cherry Tree Carol‘ and a fine ‘Willie O’Winsbury’ prove that this was simply not the case.
At nearly £300 (if we can confront the elephant in the room), the reality is that this box set primarily appeal to those with not only the money but those who really love the band. The reality is that this should be more of you, because Pentangle are one of the acts who are as worthy of your time. Jacqui McShee’s voice is as impressive as Sandy Denny or Vashti Bunyan, while if you like the guitar work of John Martyn, Nick Drake and Richard Thompson, you should be paying attention, too. Assuming that you don’t simply want to pick up the six albums on their own, why pay for the extra stuff? Well each album has been expanded with a wealth of bonus material featuring 22 recordings which are previously unreleased on LP. (While I must admit that a version of ‘She Moves Through The Fair‘ the double bass is distracting from the vocal and rather superfluous, it must have been electrifying to have witnessed in the flesh). Not to mention all the extra goodies that some in the box, interviews, press clippings and detailed chronology and recordings.
It’s been an absolute joy submerging myself in Pentangle to write this review. If you have the money to purchase this, I envy you. I’m off to have a conversation with my better half about seeing how we might afford it ourselves…
