Most of the Bert Jansch catalog has been reissued ad nauseum, so I was excited by Cheryl Pawelski‘s bright idea to do an expanded version of Heartbreak – one of the forgotten gems. The album includes fresh takes on “Blackwater Side”, Tim Hardin‘s “If I were a Carpenter” and a version “Wild Mountain Thyme” equal to Sandy Denny and Van Morrison‘s versions. Albert Lee plays lead guitar (a founding member of Fotheringay by the way). Produced by the Chelew Bros (owners of McCabes), the sound is organic. This new version on Omnivore Recordings, includes a bonus disc of a previously unreleased 1981 solo concert. Don’t casually consider this, this is a very necessary purchase. It just hit the streets…
PS – Bert’s version of Elvis Presley‘s “Heartbreak Hotel” is stunning and worth the price of admission all on its own.
– Pat Thomas is the author of the recently released work, Listen, Whitey! The Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975
