The Pentangle - 1972 - Solomon's Seal (Deluxe Edition)

(150:00; Cherry Red [2025 Edition] )

There is no doubt that the original line-up of The Pentangle were hugely influential, releasing six albums between 1968 and 1972, with this being the final one until the band reformed in the Eighties and then went through different iterations. Jacqui McShee (vocals), John Renbourn (vocals and guitar),  Bert Jansch (vocals and guitar),  Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums) had a very English sound, and instead of folk rock described it themselves as folk jazz (while they are also regarded as prog folk by some). The interplay of Jansch and Renbourn was intense while Thompson has long been regarded as one of the finest double bassists ever, Cox was a widely sought after drummer (later spending years with Charles Aznavour!) and McShee was one of the most important singers in the scene.

I am sure that most people who enjoy this style of music already have this album in their collection, but this has been put together in such a manner that anyone who already has it needs to go out and get this one as well. This is a newly mastered version with extensive notes in the booklet, but the reason for obtaining this is not only for the improved audio experience but also for the huge amount of rarities included. There is a complete BBC Sound Of The 70’s session featuring live versions of five of the album tracks, live recordings from the Guildford and St. Albans concerts on Pentangle’s Autumn 1972 tour and soundtrack recordings from Christian The Lion and the Shell Oil documentary On Any Day, the latter previously unreleased and long believed lost. Ten of the thirteen live tour recordings are also previously unissued. Also included is John Renbourn’s version of the traditional folk song and album favourite ‘Willy O’ Winsbury’ from Renbourn’s album ‘Faro Annie’. Yes, this means there is a certain amount of repetition, but the 32 tracks just fly by, and it is difficult to believe it is more than 2 ½ hours long as this is truly magical.

This was a time when anything was possible in British music, when artists were striving to follow their own muse as opposed to copying everyone else around, and the result is fresh, exhilarating and enthralling. A great deal of care has been put into this reissue, yet it is for sale at just £14.99 which is a true bargain. Class from beginning to end, this is simply timeless, wonderful and essential.  

Kev Rowland, December 2025

Links:
https://www.cherryred.co.uk/