From their formation in 1967 to the breakup of the original lineup in 1972, Pentangle was one of the most influential groups of the British folk-rock movement. The original lineup featuring guitarists Bert Jansch and John Renbourn will be re-united with singer Jacqui McShee, drummer Terry Cox and bassist Danny Thompson for a special performance at the awards in London on Monday February 5 at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, one of the most prestigious events of the British folk scene.

Producer John Leonard convinced the group to perform for this special event.

“The point of the Radio 2 Folk Awards is to honour great bands and great artists,” Leonard said.
“Pentangle were one of the most influential groups of the late 20th century and it would be wrong for the awards not to recognise what an impact they had on the music scene.”

Pentangle was formed after Bert Jancsh and John Renbourn recorded “Bert and John”, a album that became very popular in the UK in 1967. They enlisted vocalist Jacqui McShee, who had been working with Renbourn. Two members of Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated also joine the project – bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox. The quintet adopted the appropriate name “Pentangle”, a symbol that appears frequently in British mythology. Similart to what was happening with bands in the United States, Pentangle’s blend of folk, rock, blues and jazz created a unique sound that was labled “folk rock”.

Pentangle’s first solo performance came before an audience of 4000 at Royal Albert Hall. Their popularity grew following a quick tour, and by 1969 they arrived for a succesful tour of the U.S. They were onstage at the final Newport Folk Festival when their set was interupted by Apollo 11 landing on the moon. The interuption was booed by some in the crowd who did not want the music to stop!

There have been other incarnations of the band, most recently touring as Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle. The performance featuring the original lineup is slated as a one-time event.