REVIEW: Quercus - Fri 4 July
Iain Ballamy/June Tabor/Huw Warren

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Review Published: 7 July 2008
Authors: Nick and Joe Ray
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With tales of seduction, sheep and love gone wrong, the evening with Iain Ballamy, June Tabor and Huw Warren was nothing if not diverse. The audience was led through a fusion of jazz, English folk and a little classical influence (variations on Chopin's funeral march arranged by Ballamy). June Tabor's love of traditional English song was beautifully supported by the strong jazz accompaniment of Warren and Ballamy.

A view of a bucolic, sheep-dotted English landscape was juxtaposed with stories of working class struggles and the grim realities of the First World War. The latter was a piece taken from the prose of A. E. Houseman

and set to music by Butterworth. 'Floater' was a beautiful mix of delicate jazz saxophone and piano, with Tabor projecting her rich voice over the top. Occasionally Tabor would leave the stage to Warren and Ballamy, allowing them the opportunity to explore some of their own instrumental pieces such as Warren's 'Still Leaving' and Ballamy's 'Strawberries'.

It was a delight to see three such consummate musicians reaping the benefits of musical friendship and collaboration in the intimate setting of Rook Lane Chapel. The only disappointment was the encore: a reworking of the jazz standard 'Gonna write myself a letter', which stuck in the mind on the walk home rather than the more interesting jazz/traditional collaborations. Nevertheless, it was a fabulous evening and a wonderful start to the 2008 Frome Festival.