Pentangle Sweet Child CD

Presenting both live and studio recordings, Pentangle's second album, SWEET CHILD, is considered by many to be the British folk group's finest offering. It's easy to hear why: all that makes the ensemble so great is on full display, from Jacqui McShee's resonant voice on the traditional "So Early in the Spring" to Bert Jansch and John Renbourn's snaky guitar lines on a dexterous reading of jazz legend Charles Mingus's "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" to Danny Thompson's vibrant bass playing on "Haitian Fight Song" (also a Mingus composition).

Although drummer Terry Cox's presence on some songs is minimal, he anchors the band masterfully, whether behind the kit or providing spare auxiliary percussion. Despite excellent contributions by Cox and McShee, the standout performances on SWEET CHILD are by Jansch, Renbourn, and Thompson, who showcase their virtuoso talents to fascinating effect on the tight-knit tapestry of "Three Part Thing." Few acts have mixed jazz and folk as deftly as Pentangle does on this record, easily making it a highlight of the group's catalogue.

Recorded between 1967 & 1968. Includes liner notes by Colin Irwin and Tony Wilson.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

The Pentangle includes: Jacqui McShee (vocals); Bert Jansch, John Renbourn (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Terry Cox (glockenspiel, drums, background vocals); Danny Thompson (acoustic bass).

Q (9/01, p.136) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Jacqui McShee's superb reading of 'Trees They Do Grow High' stands out.... This album still holds its head high..."