Released 30 years ago
Live at the 12 Bar: An Authorised Bootleg
Bert Jansch · 1996
54 min · 16 tracks · folk rock
An intimate live recording that captures the essence of folk storytelling through Jansch's intricate guitar work and soulful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Blackwaterside — This track exemplifies Jansch's fingerpicking style and emotional depth, showcasing his ability to reinterpret traditional songs with personal nuance.
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Blues Run the Game — A pivotal moment in Jansch's set, this song captures a blend of melancholy and hope, demonstrating the timelessness of his songwriting.
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Come Back Baby — Jansch’s version infuses the classic blues structure with his unique folk sensibility, highlighting his versatility as both a guitarist and vocalist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Jansch's guitar work and storytelling but lacks a strong cohesive flow across its many tracks.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include extended instrumental sections that showcase Jansch's improvisational skills on the guitar.
- The recording captures audience interactions, adding an intimate atmosphere that enhances the live experience.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate live performance atmosphere
- emotive storytelling through song
- reflective moments of solitude
- warm acoustic guitar textures
- gentle pacing for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy entertainment
- prefer polished studio productions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1996, 'Live at the 12 Bar: An Authorised Bootleg' came during a resurgence of interest in Bert Jansch’s music, following his induction into the British Folk Hall of Fame in 1995. This album showcases his enduring influence on the folk genre and highlights his ability to connect with audiences through live performance.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Renbourn· Nick Drake· Davey Graham
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Summer Heat 4:21
- 2 Curragh of Kildare 3:58
- 3 Walk Quietly By 2:58
- 4 Come Back Baby 2:54
- 5 Blackwaterside 4:19
- 6 Fresh as a Sweet Sunday Morning 3:12
- 7 Morning Brings Peace of Mind 3:09
- 8 The Lily of the West 4:18
- 9 Kingfisher 2:40
- 10 Trouble in Mind 2:54
- 11 Just a Dream 3:18
- 12 Blues Run the Game 3:21
- 13 Let Me Sing 3:22
- 14 Strolling Down the Highway 3:02
- 15 Woman Like You 3:57
- 16 Instrumental (Bett's Dance) 2:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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