#pentangle

Pentangle - Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley, California, May 29, 1970

RIP to the great Danny Thompson, the bassist who lent his singular talents to everyone from Nick Drake to Kate Bush and about a million others — a giant of 20th century music with a sound that hits you right in your soul. Danny was perhaps best-known as the always sturdy backbone of Pentangle; in tandem with drummer Terry Cox, he always brought such an incredibly rich and deep vibe to their performances, both in the studio and onstage.

I'll probably have more to say, but in the meantime, check out a nice (occasionally a little glitchy) KPFA-FM radio broadcast from the quintet at their early 1970s height, taking the Berkeley crowd from ancient folk ballads to less-ancient Mingus ballads. Listening to Pentangle is one of the great pleasures in life, as always, truly one of the best bands ever. Just sit back and revel in the 18-minute "Pentangling" that closes things out here — total bliss.

Thirty years ago, before I ever even knew much (or any) Pentangle, however, I caught Danny playing with another talented Thompson — Richard — down in San Juan Capistrano. As I remember it, both of these dudes were having about as much fun as two musicians could have (legally, anyway), cracking each other up between songs ... or even mid-song. Even when RT's patented Doom & Gloom set in, the energy was absolutely invigorating and life-affirming. So long, Danny!