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Yes they probably invented folk rock but also, on their landmark third album, Fairport Convention, presented a view of England that has now been lost... one of violent division along lines of class and gender but one that was also positive and questing, says Michael Hann
Folk at its rawest is often bloody, uncompromising stuff, and Bert Jansch was one of its magical practitioners. Add fiery guitar-playing, a voice hewn from Edinburgh stone, original songs full of lyrics fabout the darkest sides of life, and you get one of music's most fascinating characters, argues Jude Rogers