英国フォークの伝説、ジューン・テイバーの名盤Vinylコレクションとその魅力とは？
エバープレイ編集部Introduction to June Tabor
June Tabor is a distinguished British folk singer whose career spans several decades, marked by her profound interpretations of traditional folk music and contemporary compositions. Known for her rich, haunting voice and deep emotional resonance, Tabor has become a seminal figure in the British folk revival since the late 1960s and 1970s. This column explores her life, musical journey, and particularly focuses on her notable records released on vinyl, highlighting their significance in the folk music landscape.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in 1947 in Warwickshire, England, June Tabor developed an early interest in music and traditional British ballads. Influenced by the folk revival of the 1960s, including artists like Anne Briggs and Shirley Collins, Tabor began performing during her university years. Her classical art school training imbued her with a strong sense of artistic expression, which she later applied to interpreting folk songs with emotional depth and subtlety.
Career Milestones and Style
June Tabor’s style is characterized by a clear, emotive vocal delivery and an ability to convey stories in an intimate way. She blends traditional British and Celtic folk songs with contemporary folk and even jazz elements. Over her career, Tabor has collaborated with notable musicians such as Maddy Prior, Martin Simpson, and John Tams, enriching the folk genre with innovative yet respectful interpretations of the canon.
Important Vinyl Records by June Tabor
While June Tabor’s work is available on various media formats today, her original vinyl records remain valued by collectors and folk enthusiasts for their authentic sound and historical importance. Below are some key vinyl albums that have helped define her career and folk music in the UK.
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Airs and Graces (1976, Topic Records)
This was June Tabor’s debut solo album, released on vinyl by the respected folk label Topic Records. Airs and Graces features a collection of traditional ballads and folk songs with sparse but expressive acoustic arrangements. The record introduced her haunting vocal style to a wider audience, bringing classic folk narratives to life through her distinctive delivery.
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Always (1983, Topic Records)
Building on the success of her first record, Always demonstrated Tabor’s expanding repertoire that included both traditional and contemporary songs. The vinyl release is revered for its production quality and the emotional intensity that Tabor brought to each track. Songs like “United States of Ireland” showcased her political awareness and deep engagement with folk tradition.
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Abyssinians (1987, Topic Records)
Produced in collaboration with pianist Huw Warren, this album blended folk with jazz influences. The vinyl record is prized for its experimental approach, where Tabor’s voice interacts with sophisticated piano arrangements. Abyssinians marked a departure from purely traditional formats and indicated her willingness to innovate.
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Angel Tiger (1992, Topic Records)
Often hailed as one of her most emotive albums, Angel Tiger contains a mix of traditional folk and contemporary songwriting, including songs by Richard Thompson and others. The record’s vinyl edition is sought after for its rich sound dynamics, capturing the intimate nature of Tabor’s voice alongside minimal instrumentation.
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Rosa on the Wild Shore (2001, Topic Records)
This album featured songs themed around the sea and coastal life. The vinyl pressing of Rosa on the Wild Shore is notable among collectors, presenting a vivid narrative journey through maritime folk songs with Tabor’s characteristic depth and nuance.
Vinyl Collecting and the Folk Audience
For many folk music fans, vinyl records represent a more authentic and tactile experience compared to digital formats or CDs. June Tabor’s recordings on vinyl capture the warmth and acoustic clarity that complement her vocal style. When played on quality analog equipment, her voice resonates with a natural fullness that many enthusiasts argue is best preserved on vinyl.
Collectors prize original pressings from Topic Records, one of the oldest continuously running independent folk labels. Topic’s attention to mastering and pressing standards has ensured that June Tabor’s albums remain essential artifacts for folk aficionados.
Legacy and Influence
June Tabor has influenced generations of folk singers and musicians not only in the UK but worldwide. Her commitment to traditional storytelling and her openness to musical collaboration have kept folk music relevant and evolving. The preservation and appreciation of her vinyl records contribute to keeping this legacy alive, connecting contemporary audiences to the rich history of British and Celtic folk traditions.
In conclusion, June Tabor’s work on vinyl is not only an important chapter in her artistic career but also a cornerstone in the British folk revival’s recorded history. For those interested in exploring folk music’s emotional and narrative depth, seeking out her vinyl releases is a rewarding journey.
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