John Renbourn | Artist

John Renbourn was an English guitarist and songwriter born 1944 in London. He was best known for his work with the folk group Pentangle, although he maintained a solo career before, during and after that band's existence. Renbourn, studied classical guitar at school and was introduced to Blues and Early Music styles, the influence of which can be heard on several of his albums of Medieval tunes. He and fellow guitar virtuoso Bert Jansch playing as a duet developed a style that became known as "Folk Baroque". After releasing several solo albums, Renbourn teamed up with with Jacqui McShee who sang traditional English folk songs, and guitarist Bert Jansch, bassist Danny Thompson and drummer Terry Cox, to form Pentangle. The group became very successful, touring America in 1968, playing at Carnegie Hall and the Newport Folk Festival, and releasing eleven studio albums. In the mid '80s Renbourn went back to university to earn a degree in composition at Dartington College of Arts. Subsequently, he focused mainly on writing classical music, while still performing in folk settings. He also added acoustic guitars for the movie soundtrack Scream for Help, a studio project with his neighbour John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin. Throughout his career Renbourn released 23 solo and collaborative albums including works with The John Renbourn Group. Standouts include Bert and John, John Renbourn, Another Monday, A Maid in Bedlam, Faro Annie, The Black Balloon and Sir John Alot of.

Artist Website: johnrenbourn.co.uk

Featured Albums: John Renbourn

Related Artists: Pentangle, Bert Jansch, Stefan Grossman