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...