"Angie" (also spelled "Anji," "Angi," or "On gee") is a renowned acoustic fingerstyle guitar instrumental composed by British guitarist Davy Graham in 1961. Bert Jansch’s interpretation, featured on his seminal 1965 debut album Bert Jansch, is one of the most celebrated and influential versions of the piece, helping to popularize it far beyond its original folk circles210.
Origins and Composition
- Composer: Davy Graham, who first released "Anji" on his 1962 EP 3/4 AD. The piece is notable for its intricate fingerpicking, blues and jazz influences, and a trademark descending bassline25.
- Jansch’s Version: Jansch recorded "Angie" in 1965, bringing a rollicking momentum and urgency to the piece. His version is in A minor, typically played in 4/4 time, and is marked by energetic strumming and flourishes that add fire to Graham’s original composition16.
- Recording: The track was captured on a reel-to-reel tape recorder in a Camden flat, soundproofed with blankets and egg boxes, which contributed to the intimate, raw sound of the album1710.
Musical and Cultural Impact
- Influence: Jansch’s interpretation introduced "Angie" to a wider audience, making it a rite of passage for aspiring guitarists and a standard in the British folk revival. His take inspired Paul Simon, who recorded his own version (as "Anji") for Simon & Garfunkel’s Sounds of Silence album, and influenced generations of guitarists including Jimmy Page, Mike Oldfield, and Nick Drake359.
- Style: The piece blends blues, folk, and jazz idioms, showcasing Jansch’s technical prowess and expressive style. It is often cited for its "jangled, strummed flourishes" and the sense of urgency and fire Jansch brings to the arrangement17.
- Legacy: "Angie" remains one of the best-known acoustic guitar instrumentals, with countless covers and tributes. It is a touchstone for fingerstyle guitarists and a testament to the cross-pollination of folk traditions in the 1960s259.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composer | Davy Graham |
| Jansch’s Version | Bert Jansch (1965) |
| Genre | Folk, blues, fingerstyle guitar |
| Key | A minor (Jansch’s version) |
| Notable Features | Descending bassline, intricate fingerpicking, energetic flourishes |
| Legacy | Influenced Paul Simon, Jimmy Page, Nick Drake, and many others |
Summary
Bert Jansch’s "Angie" is a groundbreaking interpretation of Davy Graham’s fingerstyle classic, blending technical mastery with passionate energy. Its influence on the British folk revival and beyond is immense, inspiring guitarists and songwriters for decades and cementing its place as a milestone in acoustic guitar music259.
