Bert Jansch

The Guitar work on Smokey river is so good. This albums feels like would I listen to if I was a hobo drifting trains. But on a serious note, I feel like I can feel this albums influence on a lot of my favorite music. Needle of Death is just amazing honestly. I find it absoluely haunting. A proper rambling album.

This is so lovely. It's really understated, just a guy enjoying his guitar and a few songs. There are errors throughout, dud notes, something a bit off key, but that makes it better. It's like using something that's been handmade rather than manufactured. A log cabin in among a bunch of condos. Really relaxing, I like lots.

His difficulty with finishing songs cleanly is the big clue to my untutored ear that this was a home recording. This is a lovely album.

Loved this album. Beautiful guitar parts and some dark lyrics to match. Simple and effective songwriting, an album that is never afraid to let the guitar tell the story.

Men with acoustic guitars has to be one of my favourite genders

This one is also terrific. I'm surprised Bert has never come up during the Nick Drake renaissance since they are cut from similar cloth. Lots of small instrumental interludes in between longer songs.

Love this album considering the time of release and clear influences on musicians that followed. The songwriting is very good and the guitar playing in particular is amazing.

This was great. Love a guitar picker. I've never heard of Bert Jansch but I'm a fan now. This is how I hear myself when I pick up a guitar, just before I touch the strings...

This is great. His voice is really interesting and emotive, and his guitarwork is phenomenal and super forward-thinking for having come out in 65. I can hear influence from him on a lot of modern stuff I listen to.

skillful bluesy folk, inject this shit into my veins. surprised he's British

super cool, and kind of interestingly timeless. it certainly doesn't feel like anything i'd think of from an album from 1964. i really like that - and this is gonna sound maybe kinda pretentious, but here goes - it sounds like he's playing on old strings. like, on a lot of albums you can just about smell the new nickel, but these just sound like whatever he had on - no super tinny highs, not ultra-clean or anything, just a great warm sound.

How can you not love an honest man and his guitar?

Wonderful handmade music - feels like a concert in a small Club

Nice guitar! And sad, raspy voice. It reminds me of a person I met in Vietnam, who used to play the guitar in bars around the West Lake. He was blind, but he was the damn best guitar I'd ever heard.

I love love love this. Hauntingly beautiful. Gorgeous Tim Buckley-esque sound.

The true genius behind this album is Jansch's ability to convey so much of the emotional spectrum with such spartan tools - acoustic guitar and voice, but mostly just guitar. Yet with his fingers he coaxes out joy, melancholy, sadness and mystery. It sounds fresh now; upon release this must've gone off like a depth charge. Highlights include 'I Have No Time', 'Casbah', the ostensibly sweet ode to addiction 'Needle of Death' and superlative closing instrumental 'Angie'.

The guitar on this album is phenomenal, and songs in short snippets really sells it for me. I think an instrumental version of this elevate it even further, but it is still a fantastic folk work.

Listened on Thursday when I was in a bad mood and this largely slid off my brain without leaving an impression. Listened again today when I was more receptive, and I had a much more positive experience. There are a few artists I love that have a similar guitar sound, but tend to be instrumental. Fave track " Instrumental Medley 1964" which is possibly a bonus track rather than being on the original album? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

My introduction to Bert Jansch was by way of Yo La Tengo’s fantastic cover of “Needle of Death” on their Today is the Day EP from 2003. In fact, I can thank Yo La Tengo for turning me on to a lot of great music over the years and the fact that they are excluded from this list while the likes of the Zutons and the Beta Band are included (in the case of the Beta Band more than once) is an omission that’s bugged me consistently while working through this list the last two years. The aforementioned “Needle of Death” is the highlight here for me, a harrowing tale of life cut short by heroin use. Neil Young fans may notice some similarities with “Ambulance Blues” from On the Beach. As a whole, Jansch’s self-titled record is impressive with its intricate guitar playing (a clear influence on the work of Nick Drake) and often somber songs, even if you might have to be in the right type of mood for it.

Classic sound, never heard off the artist

Paul simon ish guitar playing. Very old school pick type playing. Chill music.

I’m not a fan of folk so I didn’t have high expectations at all but this is the best folk album I’ve ever heard. Sparse is the word here, it’s only Bert and his guitar, but he fills the room with glorious music. His guitar playing is also exemplary, so good I had to listen to this twice.

I'm never sure what yo make of undemanding albums like this. One's relationship with them is less about the music itself, and more about the circumstances in which it meets one. I'm in my office on an unexpectedly sweltering November morning, construction work assailing me from the street. I can appreciate Jansch (whom I had heard of, a lot, but never heard) clinically, but there's little chance of a musical epiphany or whatever. I'll try to remember to listen to this at home some evening and reevaluate more closely. For the moment, perfectly fine for what it is.

Never heard of Bert Jansch before. Very fitting sound for the 60's. Not bad by any means, but not an album I would seek out.

Sluggish.

The album's production value is intimate, simple, and unpolished which compliments the artist-and-their-guitar format well. The tender musical delivery belies how serious the lyrics are. While the album fits in somewhere on the folk spectrum between Nick Drake and Dylan's earlier work, it doesn't really rise to the greatness of either of those comparisons in my armchair music critic mind.

Goddamn. Casbah is *hot*. Just lovely all around. Pure musicianship from a talented performer.

Wow, what a beautiful haunting raw album

I really enjoyed the songs without vocals. Maybe, I am unrefined or not cultured enough, but I just didn't get or enjoy this guys vocal choices.

No wonder Jansch has been an influence on so many guitarists (including Jimmy Page and Johnny Marr)—his style is a blend of all sorts of techniques and countries, coming together to form something unique. It’s so imperfect it’s practically flawless.

Great folk album

Brilliant stuff. Just one man and his guitar. No one else. No fancy production. Just brilliant. And if you wreathe Wiki article it shows what sh**s Led Zeppelin are!

Qué bien suena!!! No lo conocía, pero creo que ha sido inspiración para muchos músicos y cantautores que le siguieron. Me he guardado: "Needle of Death", "Rambling's Gonna Be the Death of Me", "Running From Home" y "Casbah" que es instrumental. Un gran disco que me hace reconciliarme con esta lista.

Bert Jansch was the Jimi Hendrix of the acoustic guitar. Superb debut album with incredible guitar playing that influenced countless musicians later.

Fantastic. Can’t believe this was produced in the mid 60’s

Wow, lived this, so simple but speaks to the heart

Absolute genius - would have been close to full marks even without the Scottish bonus point! Every song tells a story or evokes a feeling (or both!) and his influence is still being felt to this day - even by artists who may never have directly experienced his work.

This and Nick Drake have sold me on this slower, more intimate folk music. Bert is a great songwriter, and he is incredible at guitar. There are complex riffs and instrumental pieces throughout this album that were very technically impressive, hidden under the facade of simple folk music. There were several that I loved here: Needle of Death, Alice's Wonderland, Angie, The Casbah, and I Have No Time. Amazing album.

A definite whole album vibe rather than songs that hit you individually. Love it.

I'm a bit biased as I loved Bert- a legend in British folk. I missed a chance to see him live shortly before he died and have always kicked myself for it. This guy was one of the all time guitar greats. If you get chance what a documentary he did " Acoustic routes" where he meets some of his idols and plays with them.

Really cool singing and acoustic guitar. Thats it. Beautiful album. 9/10

Sometimes, a person and their guitar is all I need, from Skip James to Melanie to José González. And so, while looking forward to the Nick Drake albums, this a no-brainer. Have heard the name, but not the music - lovely! I needed to hear this, yes thank you. How had I not before? Makes me want to build my finger calluses again.

stuck deciding between 4 and 5 on this one for a while. After seeing what's up next I've decided not to be so precious about 5s. Fantastic rhythmic sense, both in phrasing choices when keeping the meter straight, and knowing when to cut a bar short. Not done as much on this album, but Jansch's thing of bending a note in a chord to match the tension that belongs in a melody (ex. the Old Triangle) is so cool. He can stumble & slur & scramble like living poetry is supposed to. One of very few people I want to hear do arrangements of traditional songs. Except not in Pentangle, I guess. Needle Of Death is great, & generated another great song in Ambulance Blues. The double tracked vocal (maybe?) at the chorus is incredible. music: appreciated. (⌐☸_☸)

beautiful

I put the album and when it ended I realized I didn't even notice any of it happening. I put it again and I realized it's actually really good, I'm going to add it to my personal playlist of all the music I listen to.

folksy brilliance. loved it

I didn’t get to finish this whole album yet, which is unfortunate because so far it’s the first artist on this list that I was entirely unfamiliar with that I actually really enjoyed. Great songwriting, some really good guitar work, just all around good music. I will definitely be returning to this and listening to him more.

Amazing. Never even heard of the guy.

Beautiful acoustic guitar arrangements that inspire and entertain.

Bert Jansch's self-titled debut album, released in 1965, is a seminal work that solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in the British folk music revival. The album showcases Jansch's virtuosic guitar playing, distinctive voice, and songwriting prowess. Here's an in-depth review focusing on lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with the album's pros and cons. Lyrics: The lyrics on "Bert Jansch" are characterized by their introspective and often melancholic nature. Jansch's storytelling is vivid, drawing listeners into a world of troubadours, lost loves, and existential contemplation. Tracks like "Strolling Down the Highway" and "Courting Blues" exemplify his ability to craft evocative narratives with a sparse yet poetic style. However, some may find the lyrical themes somewhat repetitive, as many songs explore similar themes of love and loneliness. Music: The musicality of "Bert Jansch" is where the album truly shines. Jansch's fingerstyle guitar playing is nothing short of masterful, showcasing intricate melodies, complex chord progressions, and dazzling fingerpicking techniques. His innovative approach to the guitar, influenced by traditional folk, blues, and jazz, sets him apart as a true pioneer of acoustic guitar music. Standout tracks like "Angie" and "Needle of Death" highlight his technical proficiency and emotional depth as a musician. Production: Produced by Bill Leader, the production on "Bert Jansch" is understated yet effective. The album has a raw, stripped-down quality that enhances its authenticity and intimacy. The focus remains squarely on Jansch's vocals and guitar work, with minimal overdubs or embellishments. While some listeners may prefer a more polished sound, the simplicity of the production allows Jansch's talent to shine through. Themes: Thematically, "Bert Jansch" delves into the human experience with a sense of wistfulness and introspection. Songs like "Oh My Babe" and "Running From Home" explore themes of longing and displacement, while others like "Veronica" and "Do You Hear Me Now?" touch on the complexities of romantic relationships. Throughout the album, there's a pervasive sense of longing and resignation, reflecting Jansch's own experiences and observations of the world around him. Influence: The influence of "Bert Jansch" on subsequent generations of musicians cannot be overstated. Jansch's innovative guitar techniques and emotive songwriting have had a profound impact on artists across genres, from folk and blues to rock and beyond. His fingerstyle approach to the guitar, characterized by intricate picking patterns and unconventional tunings, has inspired countless guitarists, including luminaries like Jimmy Page, Neil Young, and Johnny Marr. Moreover, Jansch's willingness to explore diverse musical influences, from Celtic folk to Middle Eastern music, has helped broaden the sonic palette of contemporary folk music. Pros: Virtuosic guitar playing: Jansch's technical skill and innovative approach to the guitar set a high standard for acoustic musicianship. Introspective lyrics: The album's lyrical content is rich with imagery and emotion, drawing listeners into Jansch's world. Authentic production: The raw, unvarnished production enhances the album's intimacy and showcases Jansch's talent without distractions. Lasting influence: "Bert Jansch" continues to inspire musicians decades after its release, cementing its status as a classic of the folk genre. Cons: Repetitive themes: Some listeners may find the album's lyrical themes of love and loneliness somewhat repetitive. Sparse arrangements: While the minimalist production highlights Jansch's talents, it may leave some craving more dynamic musical arrangements. Limited sonic variety: The album's acoustic guitar-centric sound may not appeal to listeners seeking more diverse instrumentation or sonic experimentation. In conclusion, "Bert Jansch" stands as a timeless masterpiece that showcases Bert Jansch's remarkable talent as a guitarist, songwriter, and storyteller. With its introspective lyrics, virtuosic musicianship, and enduring influence, the album remains a cornerstone of the folk music canon. Despite its minor shortcomings, "Bert Jansch" continues to captivate listeners with its timeless beauty and emotional depth, solidifying its status as a classic of the genre.

Meant to only listen to one before bed but was blow away and had to listen to the whole thing. Rating: 4.8

Puh, da kann einer Gitarre spielen! Vote 5

I've never heard of him. Was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Somehow more captivating than other folk albums on this list.

The guitar on this album is phenomenal, and songs in short snippets really sells it for me.

Ooooo. A friend of mine, Michael Wexler, is a singer songwriter now. Got a couple albums. One of the reviews called his guitar playing Janschian which always struck me as funny. Like the average person knows who Jansch is. Guess I’ll find out for myself now. Huh. Yeah, that’s a fair assessment. I’d call his guitar “Mike Wexlerian” if I didn’t know better. Kinda reminded me of Phil Ochs if Phil was better at guitar and worse at poetry. But all around very cool. Will definitely add to my collection Songs added to Spotify: 4

Fantastic guitar work. Hard to believe it sounds so good given it was recorded in a reel-to-reel in a house (according to Wikipedia).

I kind of love it, even if the occasional voice twang is a bit too much. His voice reminds me of the dogs in the Aristocats.

Excelente disco folk! Altamente recomendado

This was great. I loved it. Better than Bob Dylan. Fave Tracks: Strolling Down the Highway, Smokey River, Finches, Do You Hear Me, Running From Home 4.6/5

Way ahead of its time, singing about dark subjects like mental health set to beautiful acoustic guitar.influenced so many artists, especially Nick Drake.

This is another new artist for me. It's a lovely folk/blues album very reminiscent of Nick Drake, one of my favorites. Bert Jansch has a rough but haunting voice that blends nicely with the melancholy of the album. Despite the charm of his voice, however, I prefer the songs where he doesn’t sing but allows his excellent guitar work to shine on its own. Angie and Casbah are my favorites. I'll be putting this album into my general rotation.

ferocious. wish there was more folk on this list.

I put off listening to this one for a while, not being familiar with Bert Jansch and assuming he wouldn't be the type of folk singer/songwriter I would be into. Totally wrong; I really liked this record and it's something I definitely plan on coming back to. So many of these guitar licks would sit right at home on an Opeth album.

loved it!

10/10 absolutely beautiful from beginning to end it’s so easy to get lost in the majestic sounds he can make with his guitar

Soft guitar and earnest vocals. Will always love that combo.

Truly beautiful

I can't believe I'd never heard of Bert Jansch. This is exactly the sort of thing I love and seek out, and apparently he influenced many of my favorite musicians. This is classic cafe singer-songwriter music, a voice over guitar, but wow, what guitar playing! I can hear the influence on artists like Donovan, Nick Drake, Simon & Garfunkle, and even Elliot Smith. A really lovely album I will definitely be coming back to. A surprising 5/5 for me despite never hearing it before now.

This was a pleasant surprise. Listening to the jangly guitar transformed a foggy afternoon from gloomy to hopeful. Even the song about famine (I Have No Time) was jaunty. The mood turned dark by Needle of Death. Why was this song not in Trainspotting? The tune belies the words in Do You Hear Me Now? The skies darkened as his songs did the same. My enjoyment persisted. Jangly chords and mournful lyrics. A perfect meeting of the right record at the right time for me. Mission accomplished, book. This WAS an album I needed to hear.

Incredible talent - was really taken by this. Both influenced by a lot and clearly a huge influence on a lot of other people. Loved it.

That was awesome. Not just good music, but inspiring. It made me want to pick up a guitar and try my hand at this kind of honest simple expression- which I have never done. That's a feat, if you ask me. Wonderfully evocative; I was listening while building spreadsheets in a corporate cubicle but it felt like I was strolling down that London highway right alongside him. What a breath of fresh air. And the range of quality is really quote tight here, not much difference at all between my favorite and least favorite songs here, and I struggle to pick any as a low spot. Maybe Courting Blues is a little half baked for its length? But oh well I was still tapping my foot and nodding along happily. Highlights: I Have No Time, Needle of Death, Do You Hear Me Now, Angie Lowlights: Courting Blues

Really amazing guitar work. So impressive!

les chansons instrumentales mais juste un pur bonheur c’était inattendu merci Bert

Fantastic!

Bert Jansch was a fantastic guitarist and is a personal inspiration. This album has that certain ”contained experience” which captures me tremendously

Sensacional. Vários vocais legais!

Großartige Entdeckung ich ahnungsloser

Göttlich bodenständig vom ersten Ton - warum kannte ich diesen Namen bislang so gar nicht? Warm, virtuos, tief wurzelnd, wunderschön und lyrisch verfangend. Hierfür lernt man ein Instrument. So good so true. 4.7

Great album

Muy folk, tranqui, melancólico boni. Me gustó

I loved it. Good melodies and very folky with great guitar playing. This is exactly my kind of jam.

Soy muy fan de Angie, el temazo que cierra este disco pero la verdad nunca me había clavado a escuchar un disco entero del viejo Bert. Qué tonto he sido. Un disco crepuscular, para ver el sol desaparecer y que pinte el cielo como sus arpegios pintan los espacios dentro de mi mente. Es mejor que un calmante psiquiátrico. Muy bonito. Hay varios momentos muy oscuros. Se agradece. Uno de los mejores guitarristas de la historia. Le dio una vida nueva a esa tradición de ambos lados del Atlántico. Country, blues, folk céltico, anglosajón, etc. Tradición que luego veo ecos, no sé si por casualidad, en los corridos actuales.

Angie (instrumental)

Nick Drake vibes. Super chill.

This one is really pleasant to listen to. His voice is great and the simplicity of just him and his guitar really adds to the homemade feel. The instrumental tracks do a good job segmenting the album. Reminded me of Nick Drake. Favorite songs were Smokey River, I Have No Time, Needle Of Death, Running From Home, and Angie.

Solid 60s folk with some great guitar-playing.

Ok, I'll do it. 4 stars. Tight arrangements and lots of talent. Instrumental tracks were highly enjoyable

Folky, Bluesy, old-school guitar picking. Surprisingly pleasant. 8/10

Hell yeah, best debut ever recorded in a kitchen if my memory serves me right. Would always way rather listen to Bert than Nick Drake. Songwriting and his voice simply has a bit more of the old verisimilitude or some such. Nothing like spending a grey day listening to Bert & Loudoun Wainwright III to get the heart pumping.

Nice surprise. I knew the name but not the music.

Bert Jansch by Bert Jansch feels very raw, but I mean that in a good way. A way that folk music almost should be. You can tell this was just a man writing songs and playing his guitar at home, doing his own thing. The recordings are unpolished and he almost rambles on, but this is pure folk. The songs sound warm and cosy with how they have been made. They are very relaxing. I can understand why someone may not care for this album, but I appreciate it for what it is.

Enjoyed this album by an artist I had never heard of. The complex guitar work with good stories made for an entertaining listen, especially using headphones to really hear it.

Клевый альбом, слушал перед экзаменом в автошколе, приятная музыка, грустноватая и спокьйоая

I had never heard this one before. Pretty solid album, especially considering how it was recorded. This was a pleasant surprise.

Had a certain raw charm

Some great guitar parts. Can't remember the timing, but of course reminded me of Nick Drake, if a bit more straightforward. Good stuff.

It was a chilled out album, I enjoyed it

Lo fi beautiful acoustic folk with stunning guitar. Echoes of Nick Drake.

Very nice guitar playing. I liked the simplicity of just voice and guitar, it was chill and relaxing. 3.75/5

I'm not usually a fan of folk, but I loved this. It felt warm and put me in a good mood. The guitar playing was definitely the stand out for me Favorites: "Smokey River", "I Have No Time", "Needle of Death", "Casbah", "Angie"