PRESS RELEASE

BERT JANSCH: EDGE OF A DREAM
(SANCTUARY SANCD ~ RELEASED MONDAY, OCTOBER 7th 2002)

Bert Jansch, unquestionably one of the most innovative and influential singer songwriters to emerge from the British Roots music scene, is to release a brand new album, entitled Edge of A Dream on the Sanctuary Records label on Monday, October 7th 2002. The album comprises eleven all-new tracks, and is Bert’s first collection of new recordings since his richly-praised Crimson Moon album of 2002.

Like its predecessor, Edge Of A Dream was recorded at Bert’s home studio, and apart from Bert’s magisterial guitar work and trenchant vocals, the album also includes contributions from guests such as Bernard Butler (McAlmont & Butler, Suede), Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star), Johnny ‘Guitar’ Hodge, and Loren Auerbach.

Edge of A Dream is not Crimson Moon revisited; never a musician to merely rest on the massive achievements of his lengthy career, Jansch pushes his own musical horizons still further. Songs such as On The Edge Of A Dream and What Is On Your Mind are two of the toughest-sounding tracks that Bert has ever recorded, whilst Sweet Death is yet more proof of Bert’s mastery of the folk ballad form. All This Remains , which features a vocal of ghostly narcotic languor by Hope Sandoval, is another striking track, whilst the bluesy I Cannot Keep From Crying is tastefully adorned by atmospheric fuzz-tone slide guitar from Bernard Butler. Throughout, Bert’s marvellously fluid guitar playing is at a new career peak, and his fine, raw vocals – a consistently undervalued facet of Bert’s talents – are similarly effective. I could go on; these are but a few highlights from a rich and infinitely rewarding album.