While I was a teenager learning to play guitar in the early '70s, I heard an acoustic guitar instrumental on one of Detroit's FM radio stations. The announcer said it was a track from John Renbourn's Sir John a lot, and I was knocked out. It changed my perception of what acoustic guitar playing could be. I went right out and bought the album, which I have loved ever since. John's solo work, naturally, led me to Pentangle and Bert Jansch -- a lifetime of great listening there! I recently revisited an interview I did with Bert in 1992 for Guitar Player magazine, and put together a YouTube video of him explaining aspects of his right-hand guitar technique. I thought guitarists on this forum might enjoy hearing Bert talk about how he developed his style:
That was wonderful....Thank you so much, Jas! I'm 67 now, but when I was 15, I snuck into a Pentangle soundcheck in Bloomington, Illinois. They not only didn't throw us out, but they talked to us, answered our questions, and were very kind to some young kids...Whenever I hear Bert's voice, or see a video of him, I fly back through the decades to that afternoon...I've loved and followed his music ever since. I'm waiting,somewhat patiently, for Bert's BBC sessions to be released in a few weeks!!
Remember to order your copy! Just Announced: Bert Jansch ‘Bert At The BBC’ Bert Jansch ‘Bert At The BBC’ Earth Recordings release limited edition 4LP/8CD set with 40-page book containing 147 rare & unreleased tracks – live on air spots, sessions & full concerts originally broadcast from the BBC. Expansive book includes contributions from broadcasters, producers & performers inc. Lauren Laverne, Jools holland, Stuart Maconie, Mark Radcliffe, Johnny Marr, Bernard Butler & more.
