Nicola

Compared to the rawness of Bert Jansch’s self-titled debut album, recorded with a single microphone in his apartment, Nicola is positively lush. But by general standards it’s still a beautifully rugged collection highlighted by Jansch’s incomparable acoustic guitar playing and a voice that defines the term “ragged but right.” From the first modal tones of “Go Your Way My Love,” Jansch is in his sparsest element. Therefore it’s quite a shock when the flutes, horns and grander instrumentation begin with “Woe Is Love My Dear.” It’s hardly pop, but for Jansch it’s a sudden burst into full color. For the record, “Life Depends On Love” is his “pop” song. Several tracks trend towards this pop wave, including the passionate instrumental title track, while “A Little Sweet Sunshine” trends back towards the electric blues. The pop moves hardly made a difference, as it’s almost as if Jansch was always destined for cult stardom and not mainstream success. Any serious student of acoustic guitar playing or genuine folk and blues should immerse themselves in whatever Jansch serves up. The simple unadorned beauty of “Love Is Teasing” makes this clear.