Bert Jansch – Jack Orion VG+/VG+

Jack Orion, released in 1966, is Bert Jansch’s third studio album and a remarkable exploration of traditional folk music. The album features Jansch’s interpretations of classic folk songs, including the epic “Jack Orion,” a ten-minute adaptation of the Child ballad “Glasgerion,” which tells a tale of betrayal and tragedy. Tracks like “Blackwaterside” and “Nottamun Town” showcase his intricate guitar work and emotive storytelling, while “The Waggoner’s Lad” highlights his versatility with the banjo.

Collaborating with John Renbourn on several tracks, Jansch creates a rich, textured sound that would later influence their work in the folk supergroup Pentangle. The album’s haunting melodies and innovative arrangements make it a cornerstone of the British folk revival.