What is the best Bert Jansch album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Bert and John" (1966). It's the most representative of what makes Bert Jansch worth hearing.

How many albums does Bert Jansch have?

Bert Jansch has 29 releases in their discography, including 29 albums.

Photo: Chris Barber from Dartford, England · CC BY-SA 2.0

Bert Jansch

Q: Who is Bert Jansch for?

If you're into folk rock and traditional folk music, Bert Jansch is worth your time. Jansch's music features intricate fingerstyle guitar patterns that create a warm, resonant space filled with tension and gentle release.

Jansch's music features intricate fingerstyle guitar patterns that create a warm, resonant space filled with tension and gentle release.

folk rock · traditional folk music

United Kingdom

Read about Bert Jansch on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Bert and John (1966)

Captures Jansch's intricate guitar work and collaborative spirit, providing a warm introduction to his folk sound.

The song

“Angie” from It Don't Bother Me

Immediate hook with its captivating melody, showcasing Jansch's signature fingerstyle and emotive delivery.

About Bert Jansch

Bert Jansch is a pivotal figure in the evolution of folk music, whose intricate fingerpicking style and deeply emotive songwriting have not only shaped the soundscape of contemporary folk but also influenced a generation of musicians across genres. His ability to weave personal narratives with universal themes has made his work resonate widely, drawing listeners into intimate spaces where vulnerability and authenticity reign supreme. Jansch's approach marries traditional folk elements with innovative guitar techniques, often blending complex tunings and rhythms that invite a deeper exploration of each note. This craftsmanship results in a sonic experience that feels both rooted in history and refreshingly current, allowing listeners to traverse time through his music. His performances embody a rawness and spontaneity that encourage an organic connection between the artist and audience, fostering an atmosphere of shared experience. Lyrically, Jansch often explores themes of love, loss, and longing with a sincere yet impressionistic voice that evokes strong emotional responses. He balances storytelling with poetic imagery, crafting songs that linger in the mind long after they’ve ended. The tone of his work shifts seamlessly from reflective to urgent, capturing the complexities of human experience in a way that feels both personal and expansive.

29 studio albums· 4 decades· United Kingdom