VA - The Transatlantic Story, Vol. 2 (2025)

This is the story of the pioneering Transatlantic Records. Founded in 1961 by Nathan ‘Nat’ Joseph, the label’s ethos was defined by its quirky, eclectic approach, its commitment to both traditional and experimental music, and for its innovative reissues.

Key artists included British folk and acoustic musicians like Ralph McTell, Bert Jansch, and John Renbourn, as well as Scottish comedians like Billy Connolly.

The label expanded significantly in 1964, and the signing of the Dubliners would be hugely significant, as the band produced several celebrated albums and singles.

The mid-1960s, Transatlantic established itself as the home for pioneering British folk music. The success of the likes of Jansch and Renbourn was followed by the discovery of new songwriters like Owen Hand, Harvey Andrews, David Campbell, Josh MacRae and Marc Brierley.

Later into the 1970s Transatlantic found a new focus on singles, comic material and reissues bought commercial success, with Joshua Rifkin’s Piano Rags and Billy Connolly’s Solo Concert, both selling over 250,000 copies.

Its legacy for innovation and mind-bending musical offerings survives, with yet another rebirth at its new home of BMG.