June Tabor

Anyone can argue whether or not something is "definitive" but this compilation does get it as right as can be. June Tabor's long career at the forefront of the U.K. folk movement has been a tenacious and innovative one. This set from Highpoint showcases the many different faces she puts on with style. Of the 15 tracks here, nine of them are traditional songs. Perhaps the most beautiful and provocative of these are "The Water Is Wide," the a cappella "Queen Among the Heather," and the deeply moving "Shallow Brown." Other tracks include The Watersons' classic "The Scarecrow," and Peter Bellamy's "The Leaves in the Woodland." This is a solid hour of music, and what it leaves the listener with is not only a fine portrait of one of the greatest singers of our time, but an approach to folk music that renews itself with each passing decade. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide