Jacqui McShee's Take Three - Take Three

by Nick Dent-Robinson

published: 29 / 6 / 2013

Label: JAG Records
Format: CD

Excellent and long overdue first studio album in eight years from Pentangle, who has formed a new trio Take Three with guitarist Alan Thomson and percussionist Gerry Conway

Review

Jacqui McShee, the legendary Pentangle singer, has formed a trio to release this new album, 'Take Three'. Guitarist Alan Thomson and percussionist Gerry Conway provide strong support to Jacqui on this, her first studio project since the release of 'Feoffee's Lands' with her full band back in 2005. The new album features ten tracks including interesting treatments of four traditional songs that have been at the heart of Jacqui's live repertoire through previous incarnations of Pentangle. There is a remarkable range in mood and tempo with songs like the prettily light-hearted 'One Morning in May (The Nightingale') contrasting starkly with 'The House Carpenter' – a powerfully haunting and much darker number. And Jacqui's earlier jazz influences are evident in the warm, smoky club atmosphere of several of the songs. I especially enjoyed 'We'll Be Together Again' and 'Turn Your Money Green' but there is so much of quality here that I suspect everyone will pick a different favourite track. The album has a delightful acoustic ambience and a perfect balance has been achieved between Jacqui's attractive voice and the skilful guitar work and intricate percussion of Thomson and Conway. All in all, a very welcome and overdue new release from Jacqui McShee. For more information, see www.pentangle.info

Track Listing:-

1 One Morning In may
2 Once I Had A Sweetheart
3 Nottamum Town
4 The House Carpenter
5 Willow Weep For Me
6 Factory Girl
7 Blackwaterside
8 Will The Circle Be Unbroken
9 Turn Your Money Green
10 We'll Be Together Again