Bert Jansch: Bert Jansch at the BBC

For decades, guitarists have been riveted by the nimble, breathtaking rush of Bert Jansch’s interpretation of Davey Graham’s “Angie,” an inspirational monument of solo acoustic guitar performance. In the 60s and 70s, the Scottish guitarist and singer brought compelling contributions to the British folk revival with his deftly crafted blend of folk, blues, and jazz. For the avid listener who knows Jansch’s solo albums and collaborations intimately, the Bert Jansch at the BBC compilation opens the door to a vast collection of Jansch’s broadcasted performances across the years, both as a soloist and with frequent collaborators such as John Renbourn and Martin Jenkins. Interspersed with interviews, these selections traverse varying renditions of beloved traditional songs such as “Blackwater Side” and original classics, such as “Running from Home” from his debut album. The latter, for example, appears in its stripped-back, ambling form and as a mid-tempo rock track. Jansch’s versatility is fully on display, each performance set apart by a slightly changed quiver in his vocals or an added embellishment in the guitar accompaniment. Bert Jansch at the BBC is a testament to the breadth of his career and how definitive his performances of the folk songbook are to this day.