Bert Jansch

Born Glasgow, 3 November 1943, worked in Edinburgh as nurseryman before moving to London where his in innovatory guitar technique quickly helped to establish him as one of most talented artists on folk-club scene.

Originally influenced by bluesmen like Big Bill Broonzy, Jansch, following lead of Davy Graham, became leading exponent of folk-baroque style, which he applied successfully to own songs like Needle Of Death, and to Graham’s Anji, and then traditional material like Jack Orion.

Donovan was particularly impressed and dedicated two songs to him. After (4), unsuccessful experiment with an orchestra, joined Pentangle in 1967. Since break-up of that band, made (7), solo album for Warner Bros. and then was persuaded back to work by Tony Stratton-Smith, at Charisma Records, for whom Jansch has now made (8) and (9).

(8) was recorded in Sussex and Los Angeles and produced by Mike Nesmith, (9) recorded in California. Though results generally felt to have been tasteful and to have revitalised Jansch’s stylistic individuality, neither has made much impact; Jansch returned to live performance, though gave concerts only rarely.

(I) Bert Jansch (Transatlantic 1965)
(2) It Don’t Bother Me (Transatlantic 1966)
(3) Jack Orion (Transatlantic 1967)
(4) Nicola (Transatlantic 1967)
(5) Birthday Blues (Transatlantic 1969)
(6) Rosemary Lane (Transatlantic 1971)
(7) Moonshine (Warner Bros. 1973)
(8) L.A. Turnaround (Charisma 1974)
(9) Santa Barbara Honeymoon (Charisma 1975)