Quercus

The trio Quercus delivers profound and moving interpretations of traditional and non-traditional song on its debut album, approaching the heart of the material by unorthodox routes. In this unique group, the dark voice of the great English folksinger June Tabor is framed and supported by the quietly adventurous arrangements and subtle improvisations of Iain Ballamy and Huw Warren. Warren has worked with Tabor for 25 years already and made important contributions to her albums. “His piano”, The Guardian has observed, “has teased out the deeper autumnal colours in Tabor’s range.” The nature of their association in Quercus is different, however. This is very much a collaborative band. Together and from different vantage points singer, saxophonist and pianist explore the emotional core of the songs. Most importantly, the songs and the words are respected as instrumental skills and melodic imaginations are harnessed to illuminate them.

PERSONNEL:

JUNE TAYLOR, voice
LAIN BALLAMY, sax
HUW WARREN, piano

Recorded March 19th 2006

TRACKS:

01. Lassie Lie Near Me
02. Come Away Death
03. As I Roved Out
04. The Lads In Their Hundreds
05. Teares
06. Near But Far Away
07. Brigg Fair
08. Who Wants The Evening Rose
09. This Is Always
10. A Tale From History (The Shooting)
11. All I Ask Of You