Search - June Tabor, Martin Simpson :: Cut Above

Outstanding for high-end audio

Nigel D. Goddard | Manama Bahrain | 03/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Celtic is this album's nearest one-word description. Simply recorded, it captures harmonics and textures of acoustic strings that are truly a cut above. Some tracks are snappy and clever, others are very haunting in a joyous, not fearful way. Instrumental work, whilst simple is never hollow, and it is, clearly, extremely talented. June's low voice is like a strange dark colour I'd never choose on its own, but fits perfectly with each musical setting. Le Roi Renaud (old French) and Strange Affair in particular give me constant, major electrical spine-tingles. A *spirit* in the music is unmistakeable here, and for those who are lucky enough to use high-end gear: you may shed many tears of listening joy with this masterpiece. Naturally, best listened to in a totally quiet room, it stuns and silences my hifi friends, a bit like those rare movies where everyone leaves in deep, silent thought."

Absolutely Solid Celtic(ish)/English(ish) Folk(ishness)

12/15/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some great stuff here; June Tabor's vocals are as always very distinctive, and very well executed. The songs range from the catchy 'Heather Down the Moor' to a gorgeous, haunting French melody, 'Le Roi Renaud.' 'Unicorns' is perhaps a bit on the sappy side, but I like it even so; so shoot me. Martin Simpson does well what he does best: provides absolutely solid backups, most of which are just as much fun as the words themselves. (Admiral Benbow springs to mind.) But the a capella piece (Number Two Top Seam) is one of the most powerful pieces on the album.One of my favorites, both of June Tabor's and overall."