Bert Jansch is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most important figures in all of British music. One of the key figures of the folk revival in Britain in the early sixties, Jansch was and still is so much more than your average traditional song player.
Cultivating a beatnik persona and playing his own original take on the blues, Jansch had a hand in influencing not only acoustic players like Nick Drake and John Martyn but also rock gods such as Jimmy Page and Neil Young. Here is a short list of five of the best Jansch albums.
Bert Jansch 1964
The original outsider folk album and a huge influence on all British music that came after, Jansch’s debut album breathed new life into the burgeoning traditional music scene in this country.
Famously recorded in a friend’s kitchen on a borrowed guitar, the album is striking in its honesty and intimacy. Impassioned songs sit comfortably next to quiet contemplative instrumentals, outlining Jansch impressive technical ability as well as his sensitive song writing.
Bert and John; 1966
Joined by fellow acoustic troubadour John Renbourn, 1966’s Bert and John is an astonishing meeting of minds and an indicator of the later musical styles both would develop with the folk-rock group Pentangle. Both guitarists seem to find an instinctiveness in each others playing, and the two are practically indistinguishable as they run through the blues, folk and jazz. The album includes a stunning rendition of Mingus’ “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”.
Birthday Blues; Demon 1969
This album tends to sound more like Jansch’s work with Pentangle, which is not surprising as the group had been formed not long before the release of this LP. All of the cuts are originals and lean towards the blues more than traditional folk. Here, Jansch is ably abetted by a storming rhythm section of Danny Thompson on bass and Terry Cox on drums. “Wishing Well”, “I Am Lonely” and the melancholic “Bright New Year” are the highlights.
Moonshine; Reprise 1973
Jansch cultivated a richly orchestrated sound for 1973’s Moonshine. Joined by a wealth of quality musicians Jansch puts in a stunning performance and there is not a bad cut on the album. The album boasts an inspired interpretation of Ewan McColl’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, a wonderful and intriguing duet with Mary Visconti.
The Black Swan; Drag City 2006
On the back of rekindled interest in folk music Jansch recorded this album for record label Drag City, complete with an esoteric array of guest musicians. Beth Orton makes a terrific appearance here, her gorgeous vocals acting as a perfect foil to Jansch’s gruff tones, especially on the traditional “Katie Cruel” and the glorious “Watch the Stars”. Despite the guest appearances Jansch is certainly at the forefront of this record, his guitar playing seemingly undiminished and his song writing abilities as poignant as ever.
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