A Comprehensive Summary of "PLEDGE WEEK: 'Light Flight' by Pentangle" from Andrew Hickey's A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

Introduction

In the PLEDGE WEEK: “Light Flight” by Pentangle episode of A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs, host Andrew Hickey delves into the intricate history of Pentangle, a seminal British folk-rock band, through the lens of their influential song "Light Flight." Released on July 26, 2025, this episode serves as a deep exploration of the band's formation, rise to fame, internal struggles, and enduring legacy in the rock and folk music landscapes.

Bert Jansch: The Guitar Virtuoso and Influential Figure
Timestamp: [00:00 - 04:26]

Andrew Hickey begins by spotlighting Bert Jansch, the central figure in Pentangle, whose profound influence on both folk and rock musicians cannot be overstated. Jansch, born in 1943 in Edinburgh, Scotland, emerged as a pivotal guitarist whose innovative techniques inspired legends like Johnny Marr, Jimmy Page, and Neil Young. Hickey shares notable testimonials:

• Johnny Marr: "Bert gave me new goals as a guitar player."
• Jimmy Page: "Bert Jansch is the same thing for acoustic guitar."
• Neil Young: "As much of a great guitar player as Jimmy was, Bert Jansch is the same thing for acoustic guitar."

Jansch's early fascination with Elvis Presley and the blues laid the foundation for his unique style, blending traditional folk with blues and incorporating advanced guitar techniques influenced by artists like Big Bill Broomsey and Davy Graham.

Early Musical Development and Influences
Timestamp: [04:26 - 11:24]

Jansch's journey into music was marked by his immersion in the folk clubs of Edinburgh, particularly the Howff, where he absorbed diverse musical styles and honed his guitar skills under the tutelage of local instructors like Jill Doyle and Archie Fisher. Despite facing challenges such as the theft of his first guitar, Jansch's dedication led him to emulate and eventually innovate beyond his influences. His collaboration with Fisher introduced him to clawhammer picking, a technique borrowed from bluegrass traditions via Ralph Rinzler.

A pivotal moment in Jansch's early career was his rendition of "Key to the Highway," a song that showcased his technical prowess and innovative approach. This experience not only solidified his skills but also paved the way for his future contributions to the British Folk Baroque movement.

Formation and Rise of Pentangle
Timestamp: [11:24 - 32:17]

Pentangle's formation was a confluence of talented musicians and shared artistic visions. Jansch, along with John Remborn, Jackie McShee, Danny Thompson, and Terry Cox, brought together a fusion of traditional folk, blues, and modern jazz. The band's name, inspired by the pentangle symbol from the Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, embodied their commitment to truth, honesty, and the multifaceted nature of their musical talents.

Les Cousins, a pivotal folk club in London, served as the breeding ground for Pentangle's burgeoning reputation. As Hickey notes, "Pentangle became a magnet for anyone interested in the guitar, particularly from across the UK," highlighting the club's role in fostering a community of like-minded musicians and enthusiasts.

Peak Success and Influential Albums
Timestamp: [32:17 - 46:44]

Pentangle's discography is renowned for its groundbreaking fusion of genres and innovative guitar work. Albums like Sweet Child and Basket of Light exemplify the band's ability to blend traditional folk melodies with jazz improvisations and blues rhythms. "Basket of Light," in particular, stands out as their most consistent and eclectic album, seamlessly integrating diverse influences into a cohesive musical tapestry.

One of the standout tracks, "Light Flight," became synonymous with the band's mainstream success when it was featured as the theme for the popular TV show Take Three Girls, propelling the single to number 43 on the singles chart and the album to number five. This exposure transformed Pentangle from a niche folk ensemble into widely recognized pop stars, as Hickey describes: "Pentangle as a group stretched the boundaries of what was possible for an acoustic folk group and opened up the way for later artists."

Internal Struggles and Decline
Timestamp: [46:44 - 49:36]

Despite their artistic achievements, Pentangle grappled with internal conflicts, primarily stemming from Bert Jansch's escalating alcoholism. Hickey recounts how Jansch's substance abuse began to undermine the band's cohesion and professionalism: "Jansch was starting to feel stifled by the group, setting and putting his best songs aside for his solo records," leading to inconsistent performances and strained relationships within the band.

The transition to Reprise Records marked another turning point, where financial mismanagement and lackluster support from the label culminated in the underperformance of their album Solomon's Seal. This period of instability, coupled with declining live performances, ultimately led to Pentangle's dissolution in the early 1970s.

Legacy and Continued Influence
Timestamp: [49:36 - 55:35]

Pentangle's influence extends far beyond their active years, leaving an indelible mark on subsequent generations of musicians. Andrew Hickey emphasizes their foundational role in shaping the British folk revival and influencing a spectrum of artists from Nick Drake to Led Zeppelin and the Smiths. Pentangle's pioneering guitar techniques and genre-blending compositions opened doors for contemporary artists like Fleet Foxes and Joanna Newsom.

Post-Pentangle, the band members pursued diverse musical paths:

• Bert Jansch: Continued his illustrious solo career, producing acclaimed albums like La Turnaround and collaborating with emerging artists such as Beth Orton and Johnny Marr.
• Danny Thompson: Became one of Britain's most sought-after session musicians, contributing to a vast array of projects across multiple genres.
• Jackie McShee and Terry Cox: Continued to perform and collaborate within and outside the band context, with McShee maintaining a presence through various Pentangle iterations.

Pentangle's brief but impactful career is celebrated for its artistic innovation and lasting contributions to music, ensuring their place in the annals of rock and folk history.

Conclusion

Andrew Hickey's episode on Pentangle's "Light Flight" offers a rich and engaging narrative that not only chronicles the band's rise and fall but also underscores their profound influence on the broader music scene. Through insightful anecdotes, personal testimonies, and detailed analysis, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of Pentangle's legacy, making it an invaluable resource for both longtime fans and newcomers seeking to understand the intricate tapestry of rock music history.

Notable Quotes

• Bert Jansch on "Key to the Highway"
  [04:26]
  "I got the key to the highway Build out I'm bound to go..."

• Jimmy Page on Bert Jansch
  [04:26]
  "As much of a great guitar player as Jimmy was, Bert Jansch is the same thing for acoustic guitar."

• Donovan on Pentangle Performances
  [09:22]
  "Nobody would teach how to play the guitar in my group. But when I went to Bert, I saw things that I wanted to learn."

• Bert Jansch on "Needle of Death"
  [12:23]
  "Needle of Death when sadness fills your heart and sorrow hides the longing to be when things go wrong each day you fix your mind to escape your misery."

• Bert Jansch on "Black Waterside"
  [25:17]
  "One Morning Fair, I Took the Air Down a bit like Waterside."

• Bert Jansch on "Light Flight"
  [32:17]
  "Mary open the door, open the door Cause it's cold sitting on the shed I won't tell you no Open the door, please open the door what you think you're doing?"

• Bert Jansch on "Solomon's Seal"
  [49:09]
  "There's people on the highway, people in the towns you just can't get away I'm not going to the mountains, going by the sea, you won't see me."

These quotes encapsulate key moments and themes from the episode, highlighting Jansch's lyrical prowess and the band's emotional and artistic depth.