June Tabor

Event information

Born in Warwick, educated at Oxford University, by profession first librarian, then restaurateur but always a singer of songs where words matter as much as music, June Tabor is renowned as an explorer of a song's soul and a performer of gripping commitment. Her recorded work over the last thirty years shows a diversity of inspirations. Highlights include the early simplicity of the largely traditional Airs and Graces (1976), more modern material in a minimalist setting on Abyssinians (1983) and Aqaba (1988), the richness and diversity of Angel Tiger (1992) and Aleyn (1997, recorded live), A Quiet Eye (1999) with the Creative Jazz Orchestra adding inspirational weight and colour, and Rosa Mundi (2001), a very personal celebration of the Rose. More lately An Echo of Hooves (2003), dedicated to the story-telling power of the traditional Ballad, was particularly well-received and brought June the 'Singer of the Year' award at the 2004 BBC Folk Awards. She was subsequently filmed in concert for BBC4 Sessions, produced by the same team that has presented her several times on BBC TV's 'Later with Jools Holland'. 2005 saw two stunning releases, both on Topic Records - the career-overview 4-CD boxed set Always, and a new mainstream album At the Wood's Heart (2005). Early 2006 heralded a promising new musical relationship with English saxophonist/composer Iain Ballamy in the trio Quercus (along with June's long-time accompanist, pianist Huw Warren). The year also brought her back together with the Renga Ensemble of the London Philharmonic Orchestra for a further performance of a song cycle 'Soldier, Sailor, Shepherd' derived from the work of the C20th collector/folklorist Ruth L. Tongue. Touring in 2006 brought Andy Cutting and Mark Emerson to the fore as an accompanying duo, leading to June's latest album Apples (March 2007) adding Tim Harries' double bass and creating a dynamic piece of work with a character new to June's recordings. It offers testament to a strength of purpose which continues to produce work of a standard acknowledged to be the highest in its field: June Tabor's journey in song continues.