ONE MORE ROAD

Pentangle were one of the most influential band of progressive folk at the end of the sixties. This album was released in 1993 but in my opinion it is a good one and not exclusively a commercial operation. I attended one of the concerts of the tour that promoted "One More Road" and I have to say that it was quite good too (though Peter Kirtley is not John Renbourn!).

"Did we walk those ancient city streets / Walking on water / Did we stop to seek some sanctuary / Walking on water / Did we step upon those sacred stones / Calling for no one / Did we get the feeling that we might be / Calling for no one / Travelling solo hand in hand." Vocals of Jacqui McShee are amazing as ever while Bert Jansch's acoustic guitar looms around. From the first track the Pentangle's magic seems still hanging on, and the band, although with a different line up, seem to be alive.

No experiments blending jazz and folk, in the whole absolutely nothing new: here you can find five traditionals arranged by the band ("Oxford City", "Lily Of The West", "High Germany", "Willy Of Winsbury" and "Are You Going To Scarborough Fair") and six new songs ("Travelling Solo" and the title track are my favourites). Peter Kirtley's guitar technique is different from John Renbourn's, the rhythm section is changed (Nigel Portman-Smith on bass, piano, keyboards and Gerry Conway on drums) but it works anyway. Keyboards and sound effects are not overwhelming.

"One More Road" is not an essential album but it's a nice one and, especially if you like the genre (Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention etc.), I think it's worth listen to...

Of all The Pentangle´s latter albums, this is my favorite. The band has come a long way and their sound changed a lot: gone were the R&B, gospel and jazz influences, but the folk roots, the great musicanship and tasteful arrangements are all there. And with legendary singers like Jaqui McShee and Bert jansh, who could ask for more? The new band members Peter Kirtley (guitars), Nigel Portman-Smith (bass and keyboards) and Gerry Conway (drums, percussion) gave the band a new, more folk rock imput to their early basic acoustic sound. Ex member Mike Piggott guests on three tracks playing the fiddle.

The tracklist is simply one of their best, a good selection of tradtional folk numbers arranged by the band mixed with some original material. of the former is interesting tonotice the re-recording of two songs included on Salomon´s Seal (their last record issued with the original line up in the 70´s): High Germany and Willy Of Winsbury. Both are better than tha album´s versions, specially the latter, with the piano introduction making them sound like early Renaissance (McShee´s voice never cease to surprise me of how similar her timbre is of that of Annie Haslam´s).

Jansh´s trademark terrific acoustic guitar technique is, fortunatly, all over the place and is one fo the record´s highlights. His vocals are also great and he can handle such obvious traditional numbers like Are You Going to Scaraborough Fair and still make it sound like it was completely new. Together he and McShee are really a tremendous team few folk bands, fi any, can beat. The Pentangle even include for the first time an ´ethic´ based song in the form of their original Somali (fine percussion job done by Conway), The recording is very well done and balanced.

Sure there is little prog in here, but, boy, are they good! If you´re into prog folk, folk rock or melodic music in general, you should not miss this one! Their original line up may be their best remembered by traditionalists, but their latter day releases are not to be overlooked. Rating: four stars.

Electrifying!

The Pentangle of the 80's and 90's differs significantly from that of the 60's and 70's. I might be quite alone in my opinion, but I definitely prefer the more recent incarnation(s) of the band (since their return to the music business in 1984). The early Pentangle was almost exclusively acoustic, and they mixed Folk music with Jazz and Blues. What we have here is a much rockier and electrified affair, also with a much broader instrumental palette. Electric guitars, Rock drums, exotic percussions, fiddle, flute and keyboards have never, I think, had a stronger presence on any other Pentangle release than on One More Road. Gone are most of the overt Jazz influences and instead they opt for a Folk Rock style closer to that of Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span than to Pentangle's own early style. Indeed, Gerry Conway from Fairport convention is present here. Steeleye Span is though the closest comparison. Just like that band, Pentangle here too mixes Folk with Rock, alternates between male and female vocals, etc.

There are almost no weak spots on this album. Two of the songs included here are re- recorded versions of songs from the Solomon's Seal album from 1972; namely, High Germany and Willy Of Winsbury. These are great versions that far outshine their original versions. Especially, the almost eight minute long version of Willy Of Winsbury is excellent and possibly the closest to Prog that the Pentangle ever came with an electric guitar solo and everything. Oxford Town also has an unexpected, ripping electric guitar solo. Other highlights are the title track, Lily Of The West and the "Africana" of Somali.

Those looking for a genuine Prog album should look elsewhere, but those who enjoy Folk Rock in general, and likes bands such as Fairport Convention and Steeley Span, will be well advised to check out this album. Personally, I would even hold this up as my favourite Pentangle release of all time.