Albums That Deserve Another Listen

Bert Jansch & John Renbourn - After The Dance (1966-1968)

Tracklist:

01. Tic-Tocative
02. Waltz
03. Piano Tune
04. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
05. Hole In The Coal
06. The Wagoner's Lad
07. Lucky Thirteen
08. Three-Part Thing
09. Stepping Stones
10. Red's Favourite
11. No Exit
12. Orlando
13. Bells
14. East Wind
15. After The Dance

Reviews:

Guitarists delight. This anthology supplements most of the material from the album "Bert and John" (later released as "Stepping Stones" in the States) with six or seven duets taken from Bert Jansch and Pentangle albums from the same general period, 1966 to 1968. A good idea, as it allows listeners to hear Jansch and Renbourn both in the context of unaccompanied duet, and in their role as the duel driving forces of Pentangle. Jansch and Renbourn were perhaps the most celebrated acoustic guitar duo from this period, and the material still shines: pieces like 'Hole in the Coal,' 'Three Part Thing,' and 'After the Dance' itself have so much drive, yet elegance.

A hidden gem. This breathtaking album showcases a series of spellbinding and perfect dialogues between two masters of acoustic guitar. Although normally classified under "folk", the album is an extraordinary and seamless fusion of blues, jazz, Celtic/British, bluegrass and baroque counterpoint. The music combines strong and catchy melodies, driving rhythms and strategically advanced composition.

An extraordinarily intense driving energy pervades this album, and as the last few notes echo in your ears, you are left with the feeling of having been in the presence of pure, bright liquid light, emanating from a pitch-black background. The pieces are hauntingly beautiful, each track highly distinctive. This album is a master course in dialogue and composition.