The Pentangle

One of the most prominent acts in the 1960s British folk-rock scene, Pentangle was essentially a groovier, jazzier counterpart to its peer Fairport Convention. While the latter band took a more traditional rock approach to U.K. folk, Pentangle was eager to inject that venerable aesthetic with a more eclectic vibe, as revealed on the quintet's outstanding 1968 self-titled debut. Though the opening track, "Let No Man Steal Your Thyme", seems like it would be a relatively straightforward pastoral tune, Jacqui McShee's beautifully icy voice gives the song an edge that is reinforced by Bert Jansch and John Renbourn's almost percussive guitar playing and bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox's deft, inventive rhythm work. Throughout the album, the group's interplay is similarly wonderful, with Jansch and Renbourn's acoustic, blues-tinged six-string work meshing with--rather than trying to outshine--the rest of the ensemble. Although Pentangle would go on to record albums that are arguably better, this disc is a bold and assured first outing.|