Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour

Subject: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 04 Nov 11 - 08:12 PM

I have just come back from the above gig in the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks, and can only say that it was exemplary.

Tabor has lost none of her control, but in a live setting rather than in a studio has more fire (of course the size of the band's beer rider may have contributed to that although they were drinking water on stage). Her on-stage speech was perfect for me too - the right (that is to say left) politics and just enough information about the songs.

I could fault nothing in the band's playing (and vocals including harmonies). Some decisions as to arrangements might have been otherwise - at least a couple of songs would have been better IMHO with percussion rather than full drum kit and at times the drumming seemed pedestrian (albeit very accurate, and with a nice tonality) rather than inspiring. I'd have preferred a different guitar arrangement on "Bells of Rhymney", but the one selected was delivered perfectly.

One or two songs were definitely inspired "out of the box" choices. An interesting arrangement of "White Rabbit" took us by surprise although again I could have opted for a different arrangement. A Dylan song (apparently - I am no Dylanist) "7 Curses" was striking for its narrative similarity to "Laszlo Feher" and I would have been interested to consider the timing of its composition in relation to the (alleged) finding of Laszlo Feher in Hungarian original and translation and introduction to the English folk revival. I could have managed without the other American contemporary songs in the sets, but that is a matter of my personal preference.

The Martin Audio front of house rig delivered the goods with plenty of impact but was not eardrum-shattering. I like loud but this was about right - I was however in the second row. Everything was clear and balanced. With that much top emphasis (to help carry the words, no doubt, a good call in context) a de-esser in the rack would have helped. I'd have liked the acoustic guitars less splashy: one (a Lowden I think) was rather nice sounding when given the warmth and time to ring. I thought I heard some rattle from a mid-range driver at one stage, but it stopped, so either it was something else or that one driver went wholly mute.

Overall - good performances of a good choice of songs from excellent performers and well delivered by the sound.

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 04:52 AM

Great review,thanx!I'd love to hear JT and the Oysters sing Dylan's "The Times,They Are A Changin'".

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Nov 11 - 06:45 AM

I suspect it would emerge considerably transformed, to give instrumental space. As JT herself said she is much attracted to songs about the failures of love (not starting, not working, ending by death, suspended by disbelief or vicissitude, etc) and (or is it "but") words that create pictures in the mind - hence in the latter case a Shel Silverstein song the name of which I forget about a drought in Mississipi farming.

I'm not sure where "Times they are a changing" would fit into that, or how it could be possessed to make it an OB/JT song. I suspect cello and DADGAD guitar, a reduction in tempo, and judicious pruning, but I'm having trouble imagining the drum part.

On the other hand, perhaps your point was muted mischief, in which case permit me a muted chortle.

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 08:22 AM

I think the Shel Silverstein song is simply called 'Mississippi'; but a phrase from that song gave the title to their earlier CD of 21 years ago 'Freedom and Rain'.

I also really enjoyed the Ragged Kingdom tour when they visited Liverpool on Thursday night, and I think that June and the Oyster Band together stimulate one another to explore songs more deeply and perform them with greater intensity.

It was a good mix of songs, including 'White Rabbit' as mentioned by Richard, but I also liked Nico's song 'All Tomorrow's Parties', followed later by 'Son David' from the singing of Margaret Stewart.

I very much appreciated June's tribute to gypsies and travellers for their role in preserving traditional songs and music.

Matthew

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Nov 11 - 08:40 AM

I was interested by the appearance in "Son David" of phrases from one of the versions of "Lucy Wan". And Dylan's version of Laszlo Feher which he re-worked (it seems) to "7 Curses" looks like another detective mystery in the making.

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 07:10 PM

Looks as thought Froots has nominated "Ragged Kingdom" as a contender for album of the year 2011.

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: michaelr
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 09:45 PM

Are there any plans for a US tour?

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 02:25 PM

2011 BBC Radio 2 Folk awards nominate JT/Oysterband for BEST BAND,and "Bonny Bunch Of Roses" as best TRADITIONAL SONG..

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 02:40 PM

"Ragged Kingdom" nominated as "Album Of The Year" BBC 2.Martin Simpson's "Purpose & Grace" also nominated.Great works,both.Congrats all!

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: GUEST,SRD
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 03:56 PM

We saw them in Salisbury, an excellent gig, and while I can understand doubts about the blend from those who know the band without June I think the band deliberately hold back to allow her vocals to come to the fore. Good choice of songs both old and new and the sound was easily the best non-acoustic we've heard this year.

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 03:24 PM

I have a sealed cd copy of June Tabor/Oysterband Freedom and Rain Tour '91 sampler for trade for another June Tabor rarity.It includes "White R
abbit" and "All Along The Watchtower".

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: Brakn
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 06:49 PM

Great last night in Sale.

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Dec 11 - 04:15 PM

Where would I find a ranking for this and other folk albums in terms of sales?

Subject: RE: Review: Oysterband/June Tabor RaggedKingdom Tour
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Dec 11 - 10:25 AM

I got one for Xmas and I LIKE it!