The Pentangle were always great at creating musical fusions, and on this
album, they once again came through. The opening song, "Wedding Dress,"
is a fabulous meeting of Celtic, country, and, believe it or not, funk.
It's one of the few songs of theirs that actually rocks. The rest of the
record is classic Pentangle, with Bert Jansch's and John Renbourne's acoustic
guitars intermingling so well that it would make even Neil Young and Stephen
Stills a little envious. Jacqui McShee, as usual, has some exquisite vocal
moments, namely the previously mentioned "Wedding Dress" and
an excellent reading of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken." This
track shows how the group was further exploring new musical ground, this
time with traditional American folk/gospel. The group's rhythm section
of Danny Thompson (upright bass/cello) and Terry Cox (percussion) -- easily
one of the most inventive on the planet -- shines on every cut, creating
solid ground for Renbourne, McShee, and Jansch to do their high-wire act
on vocals and guitar. One of their finest all-around albums.
(by Matthew Greenwald, All
Music Guide)
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