John Renbourn - John Renbourn (1965)

1965

Produced by : Nathan Joseph

Aprox: 43:00

     The British Folk Revival from 1945 to 1969 produced many, many outstanding, complex records, based around folk styles of English descent. The American Blues also had a lasting impact on many of these folk musicians, including a man named John Renbourn. Renbourn started relaasing records in the early to mid 1960s, much of the time accompanied by fellow British folkie, Bert Jansch.  John Renbourn was Renbourn's first solo record, and first release period. The album was heavily influenced by his love of American Blues artist such as Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, among others. Davy Graham, another British folk revivalist had a big impact on Renbourn. "I started out trying to play like Big Bill Broonzy, and I am still trying"  is what Renbourn said of his own style, which is a unique blend of American blues and British Folk music. This being Renbourn's first record many are quick to point out his "copying" of earlier playing styles. However John Renbourn is a timeless gem, showing from the very beginning that Renbourn incorporated styles that he liked into his own distinctive style of playing.

     John Renbourn is filled with complex acoustic instrumentals penned by Renbourn and traditonal/ or cover songs that have been interpreted by Renbourn. Bert Jansch accompanies Renbourn on "Blue Bones" and " Noah and Rabbit", foreshadowing the later work they would record together in Pentangle and on the Bert and John LP that would be released in 1966. Renbourn may not be the most advanced singer in the world at this point, but this album makes no mistake in showing how incredible of a guitarist he was at the time, only leaving room for him to build upon his style and technique. The use of a slide on several songs, including the traditional folk song "John Henry" adds a very bluesy feel to some of the best tracks on this record.

    Renbourn would have major successes with his later records and endeavors (Pentangle and Sir John A Lot (1968)), but John Renbourn was a striking debut of a virtuoso guitarist, imaginative and entertaining musician. 

Key tracks - "Judy", "John Henry", "Plainsong", "Motherless Children", "The Wildest Pig In Captivity"