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REVIEW FROM www.livingtradition.co.uk

 


 

 

 
JOHN RENBOURN & JACQUI MCSHEE - An Evening With… 

JOHN RENBOURN & JACQUI MCSHEE - An Evening With… 
Fledg’ling Records FLED3111 

The musical partnership of these two stalwarts of the English folk scene was one of the most fruitful and long-lived, and the wide scope of their talent is encapsulated here in recordings from latter live appearances. Four years on from JR’s untimely passing, his legacy is curated by his son Joel who has gathered together these tracks from his personal archive. The material includes the expected visitations of Pentangle material (The Trees They Do Grow High; Turn Your Money Green; Cruel Sister) and offerings from John’s solo repertoire such as My Johnny Was A Shoemaker, along with dipping the toe into the jazz genre with his interpretation of Randy Weston’s Little Niles. Jacqui McShee’s vocals shine throughout, and remind the listener that hers are amongst the most iconic of her generation. Her delicate take on The Nightingale is one of many highlights, where she is able to steer the narrative in a rock steady fashion, leaving this listener speechless – what a gift. The instrumentals, including a splendid Lament For Owen Roe O’Neill, sum up why Renbourn was so influential a guitarist – he had the chops that many aspire to but few can nail.

One doesn’t know the extent of the archives from which these have been extracted, but it is hoped that there are more gems to come in the future. This album is an absolute delight.

www.fledglingrecords.co.uk

Grem Devlin

 

This review appeared in Issue 131 of The Living Tradition magazine