JUNE TABOR/ASHES AND DIAMONDS 12TS 360 (-77) UK

For background also check post on her "A Cut Above" album. This was its closest predecessor and since issued three years earlier you'd expect them to differ a lot due to the long time span inbetween. And there are a few dissimilarities. The instrumental support here is less sparse - one cut even has a drum/bass backing - and the wistfulness isn't as overwhelming. Some of the numbers are actually positive and humorous, reminding of what she did with Maddy Prior on "Silly Sisters". But more important - that darkish, unbridled and (dare I say) sexy voice is already here setting the tone for the whole record, giving it an enticing quality making me wanna return for yet another spin. "A Cut Above" has always been my June Tabor favorite, so perfect for autumn moods. This has its fair share of melancholy moments too, but can also bring a smile. Both high quality folk music LP:s and which to prefer just a matter of state of mind. Favorite tracks - "Streets Of Forbes", "Now I'm Easy" and "Flowers Of The Forrest". Originally released in UK only. US 1991 CD on Green Linnet (GLCD 3063). Not sure if this first matrix vinyl was pressed over a longer period on various label designs and in that case how early this particular one is. However the audio is top notch, natural and touching, so it's good either way. It came in a thin, fully laminated cover. (FÄV*) (BRYF*) (QÖP*) (JÖB*)

JUNE TABOR/AIRS AND GRACES 12TS298 (-76) UK

 

 Not counting the 1976 "Silly Sisters" collaboration with Maddy Prior (see earlier post) this was her debute, released a little later same year and not a minute too soon.  Since then she has remained one of the foremost interpreter of classic British folk music with her very personal voice, so dark and strong and safe to carry any song with or without backing.  Like here where many of the numbers come a capella and the rest with sparse instrumentation.  I don't have time and place to describe the separate songs with all the love I want, so I'm just saying - if you're into female vocal, folk music or just wanna enjoy a marvellous voice, don't miss this one.  She'll bring you in and hold you captured all the way...and that's where I am right now. For details on the songs and participants check pic below.  This post became a lot shorter than planned, but think I made my point already so 'nuff said for now.  Please also check my posts on some other of her albums To my knowledge only issued in UK and US (1977 vinyl on Antilles AN 7043 and 1985 on Shanachie 79055).  UK 2019 CD on Topic (TTSCD 004) came with four bonus tracks.  Premiere UK had label as shown here in a matt cover.   (QÖP*)  (BRYF*)  (FÄV*)  (JÖB*)

 

 

 

JUNE TABOR/SOME OTHER TIME HNBL 1347 (-89) UK PROMO

 This was her seventh solo album, not counting the two "Silly Sisters" ones she did with Maddy Prior. For more on her please check post on the "A Cut Above" album  https://monolover.blogspot.com/2013/01/june-tabor-with-martin-simpsona-cut.html . On this she teamed up with pianist Huw Warren which resulted in a genre change - moving from performing more or less folky tunes to doing her own versions of jazz standards. I've always regarded her as one of the foremost British folk singers, so it will be fun to hear what she can do with jazz. First listening is as expected. Very soft, almost sleepy. Backing mostly just piano with occational cello, saxophone, bass and percussion. No excessive singing, instead her dark voice caress the melodies, making them cozy and easy to digest. Enjoyable both in the listening chair and as background to relaxing moments. Exemples below. So no big deal she went to jazz instead of folk, it's still unmistakably June Tabor and it's good. Also issued on vinyl on Hannibal in US (HNBL 1347) plus cassette in UK and US. Japan CD on Midi Inc. (MDC6-1173) came with two bonus tracks. This UK is obviously a promo copy as it has both info sheet and the photograph that was used on rear sleeve. The photo has a sticker on back saying in Swedish "returneras efter användning" (return after using) - and then adding an address. Probably a pre-release dispatch to some music journalist, supposed to use the pic with a review and then return it, which this one apparently didn't.  (FÄV*)  (JÖB*) (ÖRJ*)

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                         

                                                                              

                                                                                

                                                                                

                                                                                

JUNE TABOR/ABYSSINIANS 12TS432 (-83) UK

For background check post on her previous album http://monolover.blogspot.se/search?q=june+tabor . This follow up was made three years later with about the same crew. Martin Simpson - guitar, Ric Sanders - violin and Dave Bristow - piano. The arrangements are even sparser here. Five of the tracks performed more or less a-capella and some of the others only have one or two supporting instruments. It's somber and sometimes sad. With most other singers it would have been a depressing experience, but Tabors warm and confident vocals edures all and turns it into something beautiful. The overall impression is something pretty unique in today's importunate world - stillness and repose. First US 1984 on Shanachie (79038). UK CD on Topic 1989 (TSCD 432). Premiere UK issue had label as shown here and glossy cover. (BRYF*)(FÄV*) (QÖP*) (JÖB*)

MADDY PRIOR & JUNE TABOR/SILLY SISTERS CHR 1101 (-76) UK

One of the best LP:s from the UK seventies folk scene. It wasn't a big seller at the time, outrivaled by the more pop orientated up-tempo folk variations performed by bands as Fairport Convention or Maddy Prior's own Steeleye Span. The songs here are mainly traditional with some of the origins going back as far as medieval times. Crew is top notch, including Martin Carthy handeling the guitar, Nic Jones doing fiddle and Danny Thompson on bass. Co-produced by Prior and Robin Black (who also worked with Jethro Tull, Supertramp, Paul McCartney, Alice Cooper and Lou Reed among others). I have a special place in my soul for enchanting female vocals and here I get all I can take. Prior's bright powerful voice counterpointing with Tabor's darker timbre, sometimes taking turns and sometimes in harmony. You can hear they like the material and enjoy working together. It's positive, filled with joy and probably enough to give at least a few fanatic fans of the genre hard-ons. First US on Chrysalis with same number and cover (later on Takoma TAK 7077), also contemporary issues in Australia and Germany. Early CD on Shanachie (SH 79040). Premiere UK had label as shown here and matt cover with lyric insert. (BRYF*)(FÄV*)(SÖPX*) (JÖB*)

JUNE TABOR WITH MARTIN SIMPSON/A CUT ABOVE 12TS410 (-80) UK

One of those forgotten gems. Part of the English folk scene, but with a unique posture. Far from rock or cermonial dance tunes it's cool, sparse and wistful. More suitable for autumn melancholy than hot summer nights. June Tabor never reached any commercial hights. Much cherished by fellow artists and groups within the folk society, but didn't record much before the mid-eighties. And when she did it wasn't accessible enough to get her on the lists. Most known today is probably her 1976 "Silly Sisters" collaboration with Maddy Prior. On this her voice is beautiful - it has a darkish timbre, emotional and with perfect timing. The backing is sparse - two songs a capella, the rest mostly acoustic with a few additions of bass, electric guitar and synth. Martin Simpson was one of the most skilled guitarists in the genre and his playing here is more fine art than regular rythmic backing. Violinist Ric Sanders a reliable force on his instrument at the time - from 1972 and on working with Fairport Convention, Albion Band, Soft Machine, Procol Harum, Robert Plant, Roy Harper and many more. Pianist Dave Bristow also played with Albion band and later Keith Emerson and Fairport Convention. Bassist Jon Davie had earlier been in Gryphon and The Banned. So it's a top artist with top backing and it fits like a dream. Well worth to be recognized and remembered. The first press LP can be tricky to find, but it has been re-issued on CD (Topic TSCD 410). UK vinyl release with label as shown here and fully laminated cover. (BRYF*)(FÄV*) (QÖP*) (JÖB*)