BASKET OF LIGHT

I had the temptation to give this album a rating only, as in general everything has already been said of true masterpieces. I'm writing a review at use of those who may not know this old folk band. So old that the keyword "Prog-folk" didn't exist yet at the time of their debut.

This is a sort of supergroup built up by two of the greatest acoustic-folk guitar players ever: Bert Jansch and John Renbourn. Pentangle is an acoustic band (today we would call them "unplugged"), with an incredible vocalist, Jacqui McShee whose voice is comparable also in the style to Annie Haslam. Her pitch is not so high but she has very good basses, instead. Danny Thompson's bass is totally acoustic and gives an unique sound to the band. The rhythmic section is completed by a great drummer and percussionist: Terry Cox, who's glockenspiel work on The Cuckoo is one of the highlights of this album.

The album is a collection of both original and traditional songs with arrangements that are sometimes influenced by jazz and blues and sometimes by medieval leads or just traditional. For those who like British folk, this is an absolute masterpiece. If you like the early Clannad (before their 80s contaminations), and still don't know the Pentangle, this album will be a great surprise as it's probably the best album of one of the best prog-folk bands ever.