Pentangle

Pentangle Artistfacts

  • 1967–1973, 1981-
    Jacqui McSheeVocals1967–1973, 1981-
    Bert JanschGuitar1968–1973, 1981–1995, 2008, 2011
    Terry CoxDrums1968–1973, 1981–1987, 2008, 2011
    Danny ThompsonDouble bass1968–1973, 1981–1986, 2008, 2011
    John RenbournGuitar1968–1973, 1981–1982, 2008, 2011
    Gerry ConwayDrums1987-
    Spencer CozensKeyboards1995-
    Alan ThomsonBass, guitar1995-
    Gary FooteFlute, saxophone2002-
  • Following their successful collaborative album Bert and John, UK folk guitar heroes Bert Jansch and John Renbourn set their sights on a new project. This time, they weren't going it alone. They joined forces with two seasoned musicians from Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated - double bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox - and added vocalist Jacqui McShee, a well-known figure on the folk club circuit.
  • Pentangle wasn't content to be just another folk act. They embraced traditional ballads and folk melodies, but their sound went far beyond. Bluesy riffs, jazzy improvisations, and a healthy dose of original songwriting became their signature. This eclectic blend resonated with audiences, making them a force in the British folk revival.
  • The band's name, Pentangle, has a double meaning. It represented the original five members, a "quintessential" ensemble, but it also held a deeper significance for John Renbourn. Inspired by the Middle English poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," he saw a connection between the band and the five-pointed geometric figure on Sir Gawain's shield.
  • In 1972, the original lineup of Pentangle released their final album, Solomon's Seal. A supporting UK tour ended abruptly because of illness, and Jansch departed the band on New Year's Day, 1973. The news sent shockwaves through the music scene, with "Pentangle Split" becoming a front-page headline in Melody Maker.
  • Although the original lineup disbanded, Pentangle's influence remained strong. A new iteration of the band emerged in the 1980s, carrying the torch forward.
  • 2007 saw a reunion of the original members. Honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they recorded a short concert and embarked on a 12-date UK tour the following summer.

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