Bert Jansch – Live at the 12 Bar. Reissue.

Alan King… I’ve just became aware that an album I produced some 20 years ago has just been re-released to some very good reviews 5* in Mojo magazine this month, it’s Bert Jansch ‘Live At The 12-Bar’ and is worth a listen, it’s available on vinyl as well. The downside is that the label that have put it out claim to have acquired the rights to it, despite the fact that I recorded it, produced it and the original came out on my own label – but I guess that’s just the music business for you .

Stuart Huggett…  Has Alan been in touch with Earth Recordings (a recently established subsidiary of long-running indie Fire Records) yet? If he wants to, I got sent the album and press release (pasted below) from the label’s Head Of Press, Jenna Jones (who’s a fan who saw Jansch in concert). As the press release says, Earth are planning an extensive set of Jansch reissues, so I’m sure she’d be happy to hear from him: jenna@firerecords.com PRESS RELEASE: “An excellent 16 song set.. the music is powerful and gentle, thoughtful and utterly riveting.” 5* Mojo

“Live at the 12 Bar stands out in part for the sweep of its songs, a range that reflects the roots of his work and how much he was able to grow within its traditions” Pitchfork

“Performed with a gorgeous lilt.. Jansch’s playing manifests a very particular physicality, working to its own internal logic, voice and six strings running in refined tandem” Uncut

“Jansch’s playing betrays no loss of nimbleness.. he’s in good voice too: over warm, cyclical guitar, his delivery effortlessly evokes the languid torpor of “Summer Heat”’ Independent

“Jansch’s guitar arrangement makes it truly stand out. He ditches a standard chordal accompaniment and brings his percussive, fingerpicked inventions to the fore — almost on equal footing with the words.” NPR

Inspiring generations of musicians, Scottish guitarist and songwriter Bert Jansch will be forever known as a remarkable talent and a leading figure in the British folk revival. He came to prominence in the 1960s becoming widely known for his exemplary guitar technique and innovative blend of folk, blues and jazz. Later he became a founding member of folk supergroup Pentangle before returning to his solo career.

Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Donovan and Johnny Marr have long been fans. Reaching people far and wide, Bert deservedly received many accolades for his contributions to music including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Radio 2 Folk Awards and a MOJO Merit Award.

‘Live at the 12 Bar’ was recorded in 1995 at the legendary London music venue and is a fitting tribute not only to Bert’s virtuosity but to this renowned hub for folk music and other genres. Bert’s meticulous performance brings together songs from ‘When The Circus Comes To Town’, released in the same year, along with the haunting reworking of ‘Blues Run The Game’ (written by Earth’s own Jackson C. Frank) and traditional folk songs ‘Curragh Of Kildare’ and ‘Lily Of The West’ which were staples in Jansch’s repertoire.

‘Live at the 12 Bar’ captures an intimate gig that’s richly brought to life by his spellbinding ability to hold a room. The warmth and reverent silence from fans reminds us of what it was like to attend his shows and the true legend that we have lost.

Two decades after its first release, ‘Live At The 12 Bar’ is issued for the first time on vinyl. This exceptional record is the first release in Earth Recordings’ new extensive reissue series of Bert Jansch catalogue.