Even when performing with others,
Bert Jansch has always continued his solo career.
Moonshine was recorded in 1972 and released in 1973, and while it gained little attention at the time, it is greatly superior to later
Pentangle efforts like
Reflection. The arrangements are fuller than on his earlier solo work and more varied than
Pentangle's, creating a distinct folk-rock sound. There are violins, harps, harmonicas, and even electric guitar. Things get started with the traditional "Yarrow," highlighted by a lovely flute, and brought to fullness by
Jansch's deep vocals and acoustic guitar.
Tony Visconti's bass work and
Dave Mattacks' percussion build a sturdy bottom end that perfectly underlines the other players. The original "Night Time Blues" receives a nice boost from
Aly Bain's fiddle, while "Oh My Father" is tinted with
Gary Boyle's stinging guitar.
Ralph McTell adds bluesy harmonica to "Brought With the Rain," and
Jansch strips things down to voice and guitar for "Twa Corbies." In fact, there are no bad cuts here.
Jansch is in great voice throughout this project, and sings all except one cut alone. His duet with
Mary Visconti on "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is fascinating. Her alto voice, like
Jacqui McShee's, offers a perfect contrast to
Jansch's deeper pipes. The arrangement is also intriguing, allowing
Visconti to enter each stanza half a step behind
Jansch, overlapping with the same lyrics.
Danny Thompson produced the album, lending a hand to its beautiful, dense sound. For
Jansch,
Pentangle, and folk-rock fans,
Moonshine will be a real find. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.