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.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

More Songfacts:

HeroesDavid Bowie

David Bowie's "Heroes" is about his producer Tony Visconti and his girlfriend, but Bowie didn't admit this until the '00s, since Visconti was married at the time.

Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)Carla Thomas

Carla Thomas became the first woman to achieve a Top 10 hit on the Hot 100 with a song she wrote herself when "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)" reached the chart's top tier in 1961. Thomas was just 16-years-old when she penned it.

AmenKid Rock

Kid Rock performed his song "Amen" at Barack Obama's inaugural, but claims he didn't vote for him.

All Through The NightCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper's hit "All Through The Night" was written and originally recorded by Jules Shear, who also wrote "If She Knew What She Wants" by the Bangles.

DarlinAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne said her Goodbye Lullaby track "Darlin" was "probably" the second song she ever wrote. The Canadian composed it when she was an unsigned 15-year-old living in Napanee, Ontario.