Terry Cox, Pentangle Drummer and Session Star, Dies at 89
Terry Cox, the celebrated drummer who played a pivotal role in the innovative folk-rock band Pentangle during the late 1960s, has died at the age of 89. His passing marks the loss of a musician who not only helped craft Pentangle's distinctive sound but also contributed to a wide array of iconic recordings across genres.
Forging a Unique Musical Path with Pentangle
In May 1967, Pentangle made their major debut at London's Royal Festival Hall, introducing a bold fusion that defied easy categorization. The group featured folk guitar virtuosos Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, alongside singer Jacqui McShee, but it was the rhythm section of jazz and blues exponents Danny Thompson on bass and Terry Cox on drums that added a sophisticated, improvisational edge. Cox's ability to drive the band without overpowering the acoustic instruments was crucial to their subtle and complex style, blending jazz, traditional tunes, new compositions, and blues into a cohesive whole.
Cox joined Pentangle through his collaboration with Thompson, with whom he had served in Alexis Korner's band Blues Inc, earning Korner the nickname "the godfather of British blues." Their work together included albums like Sky High (1966) and I Wonder Who? (1967), as well as sessions for the BBC pop show Gadzooks! in 1965. It was during these sessions that Renbourn invited Thompson to join his new band with Jansch, to which Thompson famously replied, "I'll bring my mate Tel."
Rise to Fame and Memorable Moments
Pentangle honed their craft with Sunday night performances at the now-demolished Horseshoe hotel on Tottenham Court Road. McShee, the last surviving original member, recalled Cox's seamless integration into the group, noting his innovative technique of playing drums with his hands, which provided the perfect tone and sound. Despite initial mixed reviews, the band's reputation soared with radio support from John Peel, leading to their self-titled debut album in 1968 and a follow-up, Sweet Child, the same year.
By 1969, Pentangle had become celebrities, with their third album, Basket of Light, reaching number five in the UK charts. The track Light Flight, used as the theme for the TV series Take Three Girls, surprised Cox with its success despite complex time signatures. The album showcased his versatility, featuring him on vocals, glockenspiel, and drums, including his own composition, Springtime Promises. The band's success led to major tours in Britain and the US, including a support slot for the Grateful Dead in San Francisco, where Jerry Garcia praised their "tasty jazz drummer."
Dark Encounters and Life Changes
A darker chapter unfolded during a 1969 Los Angeles tour when cult leader Charles Manson, enamored with Pentangle's music, invited the band to a party at his Death Valley ranch. Cox's wife, Jill, sensed something ominous and advised against attending, a decision that likely spared them from tragedy as the Manson Family murders occurred shortly after. To avoid association with the scandal, the band's manager urged a low profile, prompting Terry and Jill to holiday in Menorca. They fell in love with the island and moved there permanently in 1970, where Jill opened a restaurant, Pan y Vino, while Terry balanced baking bread with ongoing music commitments.
Despite the relocation, Cox continued with Pentangle, contributing to a successful 1970 Carnegie Hall concert and the soundtrack for the folk horror film Tam-Lin. However, subsequent albums like Cruel Sister failed to match earlier success, leading to the band's dissolution in early 1973.
Prolific Session Work and Later Reunions
Cox's talent kept him in high demand as a session drummer. During his Pentangle years, he played on notable albums such as David Bowie's Space Oddity (1969), Shirley and Dolly Collins' Love, Death and the Lady (1970), the Humblebums' Open Up the Door (1970), the Bee Gees' Cucumber Castle (1970), and Elton John's Madman Across the Water (1971). Post-Pentangle, he expanded his collaborations to include artists like Lynsey de Paul, Mike Batt, and Scott Walker, and from 1974 to 1982, he served as drummer for French icon Charles Aznavour, featuring on the live album Live at Olympia (1980).
Pentangle experienced several reunions over the years. Cox missed the 1982 Cambridge Folk Festival due to a broken leg but contributed to albums Open the Door (1985) and In the Round (1986). The original lineup reunited in 2007 to receive a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Folk Awards, presented by David Attenborough, followed by a UK tour in 2008 and a final concert in 2011.
Early Life and Legacy
Born on 13 March 1937 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Terence William Harvey Cox was the son of a cabinet maker. His fascination with percussion began in his teens, leading to lessons and early gigs at the Cadena Club. He played with groups like the Al Fairweather-Sandy Brown Band before teaming up with Thompson in Korner's band. In 1963, he married Jill Lewis, whom he met when she hired him for the Georgian Club in Piccadilly; she passed away in 2017. He is survived by their sons, Morgan and Dylan.
Terry Cox's legacy endures through his innovative contributions to Pentangle's folk-rock fusion and his extensive session work, leaving an indelible mark on the music world.
