REFLECTION

After the relatively disappointing Cruel Sister Pentangle came back with Reflection. It was clear that the tensions between band members were beginnning to show. The incredible tighness they showed on Basket Of Light were never to be achieved again. Still, Reflection shows the group could deliever some superb perfomances, even if they are not as exciting as their first three releases.

Contraty to the tradittional folk oriented Cruel Sister, Reflection is much more jazz and blues influenced. The folk elements are present of course, and I really liked Bert Jansch rendition of Omie Wise, but the arrangements are much bolder, intricated and jazzy than anything on CS. And this is a good thing. The tracklist is nice, ok, but not as varied and inspired as their earlier works. But I think the title track to be their most interesting and different song ever: very jazzy, very strong and a great way to end an album. I only wish they had more original stuff of the same caliber around that time.

Conclusion: very good CD, althought not as strong as what they had done in their recent past. If you already have Sweet Child and Basket Of Light, this is a good companion for those albums. 3,5 stars.