Few figures were as instrumental to the British folk music revival as John Renbourn, whose guitar style incorporated influences from Celtic, jazz, pop, R&B, and beyond. As one-fifth of Pentangle, he and his bandmates expanded the possibilities of a folk-infused combo with odd time signatures, lengthy instrumental passages, and a repertoire that spanned decades, genres, and forms. But even before forming Pentangle, Renbourn had stunned audiences and listeners with his unique approach to the guitar, eventually earning the nickname “the stoned Julian Bream of folk guitar” from Zig Zag founder and historian…
On The Frontier: Esoteric Announces Renaissance “Ashes Are Burning,” Byrds’ Self-Titled Reissues, 1968 Box Set, and More
February promises to be a packed month for music fans, as Esoteric brings listeners a new, expanded reissue of Renaissance’s 1973 classic, Ashes Are Burning, as well as a reissue of The Byrds, the reunion album by the legendary folk-rock group. Also on the way are reissues of Tear Gas’s self-titled album, an expanded edition of Greenslade’s Time and Tide, and a new 3-CD set called Revolution: Underground Sounds of 1968. Meanwhile, Esoteric’s Reactive imprint will issue a 4-CD set entitled Tangerine Dream: The Blue Years Studio Albums 1985-1987, celebrating their Jive Electro era. All these…
Dipped in Moonlight: Real Gone Reissues Grateful Dead, L7 and Pentangle in September
Real Gone Music has announced three more reissues hitting shelves on September 7, joining previously-announced titles from Alice Coltrane, The Munsters, and more! First up is a vinyl reissue of Pentangle’s 1968 double-album Sweet Child, celebrating its 50th anniversary. The British folk-jazz group came together in 1967 and consisted of Jacqui McShee (vocals), John Renbourn (guitar and vocals), Bert Jansch (guitar and vocals), Danny Thompson (double bass) and Terry Cox (drums). Their first appearance together came at a May 1967 concert at Royal Albert Hall. The band signed with Transatlantic Records and…
