Pentangle - So Early In The Spring (1989)

Formed in 1967, 'The Pentangle' was inspired by 'Bert and John', a
collaborative album by folk musicians Bert Jansch (b. 3 November 1943, Glasgow, Scotland) and John Renbourn. Vocalist Jacqui McShee, an established figure on the traditional circuit, who had been working with John for a year and had appeared on his album 'Another Monday' then joined. The lineup was completed by Danny Thompson (b. April 1939; bass) and Terry Cox (drums), both of Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, in a quintet which would also embrace blues and jazz forms.
Their respective talents were expertly captured on The Pentangle, where the delicate acoustic interplay between Jansch and Renbourn was brilliantly underscored by Thompson's sympathetic support and McShee's soaring intonation. Stylish original material balanced songs pulled from folk's heritage ('Let No Man Steal Your Thyme', 'Brunton Town'), while the inclusion of the Staple Singers 'Hear My Call' confirmed the group's eclectism. This feature was expanded on the double-set Sweet Child, which included two compositions by jazz bassist Charles Mingus, 'Haitian Fight Song' and 'Goodbye Pork Pie Hat'. The unit enjoyed considerable commercial success with Basket Of Light, which included 'Light Flight', the theme song to the UK television series, Take Three Girls. However, despite an undoubted dexterity and the introduction of muted electric instruments, subsequent releases were marred by a sense of sterility, and lacked the passion of concurrent releases undertaken by the two guitarists.

Pentangle was disbanded in 1973, following which Thompson began a partnership with John Martyn. Cox undertook a lucrative session career before backing French singer Charles Aznavour, and while Jansch continued his solo career, McShee fronted the John Renborn Band between 1974-81. The original Pentangle reconvened the following year for a European and Australian tour . Defections owing to outside commitments led to considerable changes. John was replaced by Mike Piggott , (violin and guitar) and `0pen The Door was recorded in 1983. McShee , Jansch , Cox and Piggott were joined by Nigel Porttnan-Smith (bass) for In The Round 1985, but by 1986 Piggott and Cox had departed and were replaced by Rod Clements (guitar, mandolin) and Gerry Conway (drums) to record `So Early in the Spring 1988. Peter Kirtly (guitar) now featured in the group to replace Rod Clements. This particular line-up continued, recording ,`Think Of Tomorrow` in 1991,`One More Road` in 1993 and a live album in Germany , Pentangle Live `94. .

The album was produced by the band member Nigel Portman Smith

Jacqui McShee (vocals) 
Bert Jansch (guitar, vocals)  Tony Roberts (flute, whistle)
Nigel Portman Smith (bass, keyboards)
Rod Clements (mandolin, guitar)
Gerry Conway (percussion, drums) 

1. Eminstra (Clements/Conway/Jansch/McShee/Portman-Smith) - 3:57
2. So Early in the Spring (Traditional) - 5:40
3. Blacksmith (Traditional) - 3:25
4. Reynardine (Traditional) - 4:21
5. Lucky Black Cat (Clements/Conway/Jansch/McShee/Portman-Smith) - 3:20
6. Bramble Briarr (Traditional) - 5:54
7. Lassie Gathering Nuts (Traditional) - 5:02
8. Gaea (Traditional) - 4:46
9. Baron of Brackley (Traditional) - 7:53

(Artwork included)

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