The Ornament Tree
Bert Jansch · 1990
44 min · 12 tracks · folk rock
A tapestry of traditional folk melodies woven through intricate guitar work and intimate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Ornament Tree (Bonny Portmore) — This track showcases Jansch's dexterous guitar playing alongside haunting vocals, making it a poignant reinterpretation of the classic Irish lament 'Bonny Portmore'. Its emotional depth sets the tone for the album.
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The January Man — Jansch's rendition of this traditional song highlights his ability to blend storytelling with intricate melodies, capturing the essence of seasonal change and introspection.
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The Rocky Road to Dublin — This lively interpretation draws on traditional Irish folk roots, where Jansch's rhythmic guitar strumming invigorates the narrative drive, embodying the spirit of adventure found within.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and contemporary folk elements with strong guitar work and storytelling.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that dominate most tracks, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
- Vocals are delivered in a conversational style, often accompanied by harmonies that enhance the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate traditional folk melodies, while others introduce contemporary themes, blending old and new sensibilities.
- 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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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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 storytelling through melodies
- delicate fingerpicking for focus
- nostalgic reflections on tradition
- gentle pacing for relaxed listening
- for quiet afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1990, The Ornament Tree is Bert Jansch's first album after a five-year hiatus, marking a return to recording following his previous effort, 1985's Sand. This period saw Jansch navigating personal challenges while reaffirming his status as a pivotal figure in the British folk scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Renbourn· Nick Drake· Davey Graham
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Three Dreamers
In this track, a moment unfolds where the narrative shifts from collective dreams to individual aspirations, revealing deeper layers of personal hope.
By transitioning focus among different characters, the lyrics create a rich tapestry that emphasizes shared human experiences while allowing each dreamer their distinct voice.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Ornament Tree (Bonny Portmore) 3:50
- 2 The Banks O'Sicily 3:34
- 3 The Rambling Boys of Pleasure 4:40
- 4 The Rocky Road to Dublin 2:59
- 5 Three Dreamers 3:47
- 6 The Mountain Streams 3:50
- 7 The Blackbird of Mullamore 4:48
- 8 Ladyfair 2:15
- 9 The Road Tae Dundee 4:08
- 10 Tramps and Hawkers 3:16
- 11 The January Man 3:43
- 12 Dobbins Flower Vale 3:33
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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