"Bert Jansch" by Bert Jansch
"Bert Jansch" is the debut album of the Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch.
"Bert Jansch" by Bert Jansch
Release Date: April 16, 1965
Recording Location: 5 North Villas, Camden, London
Producer: Bill Leader
Historical Context:
"Bert Jansch" is the debut album of the Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch. The album emerged during the British folk revival of the 1960s, a period characterized by a renewed interest in traditional folk music and acoustic instrumentation. This era saw a blending of traditional folk with contemporary themes, influenced by the social and political climate of the time. Jansch, known for his intricate fingerstyle guitar playing and introspective lyrics, became a key figure in this movement. The album was recorded on a simple reel-to-reel tape recorder in Bill Leader's home, reflecting the raw and authentic nature of Jansch's music.
You can listen to this album on YouTube.
Track Listing:
Side One:
1. "Strolling Down the Highway" – A bright and upbeat track showcasing Jansch's adept fingerpicking and carefree lyrics about life on the road.
2. "Smokey River" – An instrumental piece characterized by its fluid guitar lines and evocative melody.
3. "Oh How Your Love Is Strong" – A tender love song with emotive vocals and a gentle, melodic guitar accompaniment.
4. "I Have No Time" – A reflective song that delves into themes of fleeting time and missed opportunities.
5. "Finches" – A brief instrumental interlude capturing the essence of nature through its delicate guitar work.
6. "Veronica" – Another instrumental, this one with a playful and light-hearted feel.
7. "Needle of Death" – A poignant and somber song inspired by the heroin overdose of Jansch's friend, highlighting the darker side of the 1960s counterculture.
Side Two:
1. "Do You Hear Me Now?" – A song of social protest, addressing themes of injustice and calling for awareness and action.
2. "Rambling's Gonna Be the Death of Me" – A song that reflects on the restless life of a wanderer, combining melancholic lyrics with a lively guitar arrangement.
3. "Alice's Wonderland" – An instrumental inspired by jazz bassist Charles Mingus, blending folk and jazz elements.
4. "Running From Home" – A bittersweet tune about escaping from one's troubles, featuring Jansch's characteristic guitar style.
5. "Courting Blues" – A blues-influenced track with introspective lyrics about love and relationships.
6. "Casbah" – An instrumental that transports listeners to an exotic locale through its rhythmic and melodic intricacies.
7. "Dreams of Love" – A short, lyrical piece filled with romantic longing.
8. "Angie" – A cover of a Davey Graham composition, showcasing complex fingerpicking and intricate melodies.
