THE fact that cult DJ John Peel wrote the sleeve notes to The Pentangle's first album back in the late 1960s will tell you that in their day, this band were in the avant-garde. Mixing traditional folk with blues and jazz, the multi-talented five piece group, including legendary guitarists Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, developed a large following.

Fast forward more than three decades and The Pentangle banner is still being carried by one of that era's folk divas, Jacqui McShee. And although she is the sole survivor of the original line-up, it seems that the band's traditions are in safe hands. Up there with the likes of the late lamented Sandy Denny, Jacqui can still make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up with her pure voice and expert phrasing. An audience at Darlington Arts Centre was treated to a fine performance by Jacqui, impeccably supported by percussionist Gerry Conway, keyboard player Spencer Cozens, Alan Thompson on bass and Gary Foot on flute and sax.

Mixing old Pentangle numbers with, more recent material, the tight, highly competent band treated the audience to a rich mixture of sounds and styles. For Pentangle loyalists, the highlight was a powerful version of Cruel Sister. Of the new songs, About Time was a stand out track.

Warm-up act, singer-songwriter David Hughes was a delight with his droll, wry songs about rivers, cars and women.

Published: 24/03/2005