Bert Jansch: Just a Simple Soul

BMG

Enigmatic yet hugely influential, Glasgow-born guitarist and singer Bert Jansch emerged during the Sixties and went on to be idolised by generations, including Bernard Butler of Suede, who has compiled this comprehensive double album. The 39 tracks span more than four decades, including, from his 1965 debut, that hypnotic spin of Davey Graham’s Angie, a rite of passage for any self-respecting fingerpicker, as well as Blackwaterside, “borrowed” by Led Zeppelin, and the plaintive vocal timbre of Needle of Death. Pentangle co-guitarist John Renbourn makes an appearance on Soho while the rumble of colleagues Danny Thompson and Terry Cox drives Poison, although, frustratingly, the sleeve notes don’t always credit accompanists. Delights from his more obscure years include the Kittiwake and the edgy blues of When the Circus Comes to Town, while The Black Swan, title track of his final album in 2006, has a melancholy beauty.