Joint Control

Long celebrated as one of the UK's foremost acoustic guitarists, John Renbourn's work, whether solo or with supergroup Pentangle, always demonstrated his ability to blend all kinds of motifs. Renbourn continued touring and recording right up until a few days before his death in March. That his final tour and recording was in partnership with Wizz Jones, maverick Balham folk singer, guitarist and songwriter, is appropriate. The two men were friends for more than half a century, bonded by choosing to work in British folk and by their kinship with the likes of Bert Jansch and Davey Graham. This album finds John and Wizz interpreting songs by Jansch, Bob Dylan, Joseph Spence, Big Bill Broonzy and Jackson C Frank – all inspirations on what was a very fluid, open acoustic music scene in the 60s. As Pete Paphides’ excellent liner notes make clear, the two men possessed extremely different approaches to playing and this made for a winning challenge. As the music flows, a real sense of engagement leaps out. If you are an old fan or someone yet to experience Renbourn and Jones, then you must get this excellent album.