CD Reviews : The Pentangle, Steve Tilston, UFO
The Pentangle, Solomon’s Seal” (Cherry Red)- Pentangle were one of the leading lights of the burgeoning British folk rock scene during its creative heyday in the late sixties and early seventies, entrancing record buyers and concert goers alike as they served up a unique sound which blended elements of jazz and traditional music to excellent effect. “Solomon’s Seal” was the final album recorded by the original incarnation of the band, first released in 1972 to a fairly muted critical and popular response but well worth investigating nonetheless if you’ve ever enjoyed the instrumental artistry of guitarists John Renbourn and Bert Jansch, Jacqui McShee’s fragile vocals or the late lamented Danny Thompson’s inventive contributions on double bass. The inclusion of a string of bonus tracks culled from BBC sessions and live recordings made during the band’s farewell tour should make this 2 CD set an essential purchase for Pentangle completists everywhere.