John Renbourn – The Black Balloon (VG+/VG+) – LP, UK 1979

The Black Balloon is an LP by John Renbourn from 1979 released on the Transatlantic Records label.

About this album

The Black Balloon is a distinctive late-1970s John Renbourn album, showing his uncommon ease between folk tradition, early music and classical-influenced guitar writing. Released in 1979, it highlights the British guitarist’s intricate fingerpicking and refined arrangements, moving fluidly from traditional material to elegant originals and adaptations. Renbourn, best known for his pioneering work in folk rock and acoustic guitar, gives the record a quietly assured character that rewards close listening. Its blend of scholarly detail, melodic grace and understated performance makes it one of the more elegant statements in his solo catalogue.