The Albums: 1968-1972 (14lp/marbled)

1968 to 1972, saw the release of 6 studio albums from folk's first supergroup Pentangle. Featuring the songwriting talents of guitarists Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, alongside bassist Danny Thompson, drummer Terry Cox and singer Jacqui McShee, their innovative folk-fusion encompassed elements of jazz as well as pop, which left a lasting influence and legacy. The first 5 albums were released on legendary folk label Transatlantic, while 'Solomon's Seal' (1972), on the Reprise label, was their final album with the original line-up. Now for the first time ever, these albums are available as a 14LP deluxe box set. Each album has been expanded with a wealth of bonus material, including choice selections from contemporaneous solo LPs by Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, out-takes and live tracks. Across the package, there is an impressive amount of 22 recordings which are previously unreleased on LP. Some of the albums are being reissued on vinyl for the first time in decades with 'Solomon's Seal' last being released as an LP in 1977, shortly followed by 'Reflection' in 1980. Each album is presented in a gatefold sleeve replicating the original artwork. These are housed in an rigid slipcase box alongside an special gatefold holding a 64-page book awash with rare images and over 20,000 words of sleeve-notes, which include: a Q&A culled from past interviews by author Mick Houghton with Bert, John and Jacqui, essays about each album by a variety of music journalists (Stuart Penney, Trevor Leeden, Nigel Cross, Colin Irwin, Lois Wilson and Jim Wirth), a lengthy chronology, and track-by-track details. The records have been remastered from the best available sources, with careful referencing of original tapes and vinyl where relevant. The master disc cutting is handled by Pauler Acoustics in Germany, renowned for their audiophile-quality releases. They utilize original Neumann VMS-82 cutting lathes and the Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) process, ensuring unmatched transparency and clarity. From there, the records are pressed at Puristamo in Helsinki, Finland, a plant known for its meticulous attention to detail and sustainability practices. Every record undergoes thorough hand inspection for quality. We've spared no effort to preserve the integrity of these brilliant albums - you can expect a listening experience worthy of their legacy. Edition on natural blue/white marbled vinyl.