Watch the mighty Pentangle performing in January 1971. The recording, licensed from the BBC, was recently shared, and it’s a joy to watch. For this number, singer Jacqui McShee is absent from the stage, leaving Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Danny Thompson and Terry Cox to work their instrumental magic.
Shortly after this performance, they would record Reflection in March (released in October 1971), produced by Bill Leader and released on Transatlantic – their last for that label. The following year would see the release of their final album, Solomon’s Seal.
In case you’re wondering, the track below is based on ‘In Time‘, from their 1968 album Sweet Child but here, it feels like they give themselves more freedom to explore – it’s a more feral offering with a snap and groove that makes it all the more enticing.
With Bert Jansch walking the fingerboard and keeping order with Terry Cox on drums, Danny Thompson adds some beautiful flourishes from the off before John Renbourn, who also provides the BBC free smoke effects, casually delivers a smooth lead, making it all look effortless while puffing on a fag. There are some nice camera angles throughout, such as Renbourn checking out Jansch, prior to Thompson’s improvised solo workout before returning to Renbourn’s string bending.
There has never been another band like them; they were truly in a class all of their own, and I never tire of hearing their music.
To quote Tony Wilson ‘hyperbole’ on the Sweet Child album:
“Trying to describe the Pentangle’s music is like trying to describe a sunset. You can talk of the colours, but the overall effect has to be seen to be appreciated. To appreciate the Pentangle, you have to listen”.
More Pentangle here: