Changing tracks

Published on Sunday 25 November 2007 00:26

Folk singer June Tabor shares her top five musical moments.

THE UGLY DUCKLING

Danny Kaye

My musical upbringing was by radio, starting with Children's Favourites on a Saturday morning. Amid the trivia of songs like 'You're A Pink Toothbrush' and 'Pickin' A Chicken' were true classics of songwriting, arrangement and most importantly, storytelling. This Frank Loesser gem still moves me to tears.

I'VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN

Frank Sinatra

For some reason, my mother did not like Sinatra, and being an impressionable child this prejudice was transferred to me. Happily I now know better. There is so much to learn from this consummate master of phrase, nuance and timing. Jule Styne famously remarked, "The others just sing the notes - Frank sings the words", and that's how I'd like to be remembered.

QUEEN AMONG THE HEATHER

Belle Stewart

I didn't discover traditional music until I was 16 and it immediately spoke to me in a way no other music had done. I had already encountered the highly decorated Anglo-Irish singing of Anne Briggs, but Belle's singing was even more riveting: measured, stately, with the swoops and turns characteristic of the traveller style. A fine teacher indeed.

LA FIANCE DU TIMBALIER

Malicorne

The extraordinary and unique voice of Gabriel Yacoub has been sending shivers down my spine for nearly 30 years. He is one of my three favourite singers of all time. The imaginative use of layered vocals and orchestration are Malicorne hallmarks, then add that voice.

CRAIGIE HILL

Dick Gaughan

If ever there was a masterclass in singing and song accompaniment this is it, from the brooding introduction through each perfectly timed heartfelt verse to its magnificent conclusion. Every pause, every breath are as important as each word or note. In the handful of performances to which I turn for reassurance, hope and inspiration, this is number one.

June Tabor performs at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh (0131-668 2019), Friday, 8pm; Tolbooth, Stirling (01786 274 000), Saturday, 8pm.brightfieldproductions.co.uk/tabor.htm