Renbourn,john - Enchanted Garden Price: €9.99 Availability: Immediate Dispatch

THE ENCHANTED GARDEN, the John Renbourn Group's follow-up to A MAID IN BEDLAM, is a delight. Although Renbourn's typically exquisite six and 12-string guitars are at the forefront of the arrangements, it's ex-Pentangle singer Jacqui McShee's angelic voice that first arrests the listener. Although less well known than Sandy Denny, Maddy Prior, or June Tabor, McShee is every bit their equal.
The flute, woodwind, and reed coloring that Tony Roberts adds to these eight tracks enhances the proceedings without becoming overbearing. Subtle hand percussion and tabla also underpin many of the songs. A blend of early music and traditional British balladry, THE ENCHANTED GARDEN is endlessly fascinating, with a breathtaking guitar tour de force in the opening "Pavane Belle Qui Tiens Ma Vie/Tourdion".