LA Turnaround

Description

First of a diptych of albums recorded in and influenced by Berts time in America, and the first of three for American label, Charisma. Tony Stratton Smith himself brought Bert to the label, claiming proudly that if ever a man is due his place among the superstars, its Bert Jansch. Of the era, Bert mused: I dont think the rest of the label understood me, I was a complete mystery to them but Tony really got behind me. He was certainly a character. If you had lunch with Tony, you certainly knew youd had lunchusually till long into the afternoon. As the title suggests, this album was something of a contrast to Janschs usual style taking in swathes of Nashville-infused pedal steel courtesy of the legendary Red Rhodes to sparkling effect. Bert himself seemed surprised by just how well the record turned out, influenced by the assembled companys alternative approach to recording: Red Rhodes was delightful, both he and Mike [Nesmith] who played rhythm guitar were extraordinary musicians. I had the songs when we came to record but Mike and Red didnt know them. There were no demos or anything. Wed run through them and Id teach them the songs but Red especially was used to jamming, playing to the song. The group even returned to Needle Of Death from Berts eponymous 1965 debut. That was done at the request of Tony though I never did like the original version. I find the tune too sweet and sickly but Tony asked if I would do it and, since he was the head of the company, I thought Id better. Its one of my songs that has simply stuck with people down the years but this version with Red is a little different, more earthy. Often cited by fans as some of Berts best work, this 1974 album was produced in part by the Monkees Mike Nesmith, whose guidance is much in evidence on this perfectly measured slice of British country-rock. Also Includes 4 additional non-album tracks.