Strange Affair - June Tabor with Martin Simpson

Achingly beautiful vocal from June Tabor and stunning fingerstyle guitar from Martin Simpson. Written by Richard Thompson

[@robst247]

June is the greatest folk singer that England has ever produced. Martin's accompaniment is sheer genius.

[@TomBandfield]

Martin Simpson backing June Tabor, singing a song written by Richard Thompson - how could this not be totally awesome?! :D Thanks to chrissuddes for uploading :D

[@Fjellfinn]

When I was very young, in the early eighties, I used to walk to the public library to hear this record - "A cut above". The walk was an hour, but I did not care. "Unicorns" was my favourite song and the last song on side 2 of the vinyl record. Another beautiful song in the album was the last song on side 1 - "Strange affair".

[@adriennekraft2381]

June's voice is so expressive and beautiful. Martin is an astonishing guitarist. I love this cover of the Thompson song.

[@EllJayAitch]

When I have light and electricity I seek out the Silly Sisters on KZbin. Anything that they produce is frankly the best that female singers can provide.

[@johannbogason1662]

I think this is not about parents, friendship or the one you have loved the most. It is about facing death when you have lost them all and yet you are still hopeful that your creator will have mercy upon you. It is about faith.

[@chrissuddes]

Amen to that

[@glynjones7158]

When a Sufi, Richard could only write of his love for 'God'.

[@Cabronosidad]

The perfect song for her wonderful voice. And what gorgeous twangy guitar work. Folk at its absolute best.

[@JackT13]

Incase some people didn't know- this version of the song with both June and Martin is on Martin's album 'Purpose and Grace'

[@TLMuse]

FYI, the two of them did an entire album together in 1980, "A Cut Above," that includes this tune: www.allmusic.com/album/a-cut-above-mw0000086402. Martin's 2011 "Purpose and Grace" has them revisit it. Both versions are outstanding. I wish they'd do another whole album together, along the lines of *A Cut Above*. The 2011 version of "Strange Affair" shows it would be something special!

[@mikeboardmansr6977]

This song was my introduction to both Simpson's guitar and Tabor's almost haunting voice back in the 70's.

[@MagicCarpetMusic]

It took me a while to realise that so much of why I ADORE this performance is because of Martin Simpson's unbelievably beautiful guitar playing! Thank you, thank you both! xx

[@WillFlyGuitar]

What a wonderful combination: June Tabor singing, Martin Simpson playing, and Richard Thompson's composition. Perfect!

[@yaisum]

My god what a voice! And Martin, fabulous as usual. A glorious duet.

[@DaveE-ek6pb]

This may well be the finest piece of music I've ever heard .

[@wulfblue]

Most of us guitarists pluck guitar strings but Martin plucks heart strings...

[@MagicCarpetMusic]

Well - and sweetly - said!

[@IckyTzatziki]

No, it was a BBC4 session at St Lukes.. its lovely isn't it..

[@windybaer]

Wow, this is just fantastic. I've been in love with June Tabor for many years since she made the first Silly Sisters vinyl album, now she has helped me discover Martin and his beautiful finger style guitar. .Thank you chrissuddes

[@richH1625]

One of my favourite guitar players + One of my favourite singers. Probably makes them my very favourite pairing.

[@dwebster50]

So nice to be introduced to June & Martin by this lovely medium called You Tube... I truly enjoyed their ajoined union for this piece "Strange Affair" I have always loved to accompany a female vocalist & this dear lady has such a wonderfull voice. Martin you have made another fan ...wish I could hear & see you in your up and coming show in Toronto Ontario Canada.. I will keep an eye out for you Cheers & Thanks for posting this wonderfull video of arisans Dave W Calgary Alberta

[@ianbrocklebank3258]

Takes me back to a time with one of the great loves of my life..i miss her and wish her well...

[@karenpryor7554]

Beautiful version of this song!

[@lucabez]

There are a so beautiful voice and playing!... this performance is just great!... ******** Thank you

[@drychaf]

Glorious A treasure.

[@kateneff2863]

This music is so relaxing, right now! Long sigh.

[@Cabronosidad]

Beyond gorgeous.

[@gaspode18]

Written by the Sufi poet Si Fudul al-Hawari, translated and set to music by Richard Thompson.

[@chrissuddes]

Just finished reading Richards book "Beeswing" I hadn't realised he was Sufi but there is a chapter in the book that lays it all out; seems a very peaceful, mystical branch of faith which as a Jesus follower myself I really appreciated. Worth a read

[@tedhunter5285]

Love this song .......it shows how fantastic a voice and guitar can fill a space.....

[@user-op9mv5lq1u]

My favorite

[@Clara-zg5nb]

What a fine piece of music ❤️

[@pjotr60dvd]

Woooow! What can one say, this is sooooooooooo superb! Absolutely stunning performance... Love it to bits...

[@EricaDyson]

Magic. One of my favourites now that I have heard it!

[@lizzy-folksongsscottis4518]

Love it!

[@TheLittletrees]

Haunting voice, beautiful. 😊

[@TomRAFC]

completely agree! Give that man a medal!

[@Teddyb1939]

One word. Magical.

[@Wild-Camping-Geordie]

The Best of Folk......... ❤

[@MrCajunmojo]

Absolutely amazing performance.

[@MagicCarpetMusic]

I'm in love with this song - this interpretation of it! Thank you June, thank you Martin, thank you! x

[@SamNitzberg]

They recorded it before, in 1980, on June Tabor's third solo album, "A Cut Above." And I think that may be the best version of this song, even better than Richard & Linda Thompson's original version.

[@seanhansford9642]

Wow still one of my favourites

[@Bobjb999]

I discovered this singer via Hope Sandoval (of Mazzy Star) who twice in interviews cited June Tabor one of her fave singers.

[@amphionification]

What a beautiful tune

[@TheMrgaztop]

Oh what wonder, Oh what pleasure, June Tabor.

[@TheBrucenz]

Beautiful!

[@Stratman389]

How cool is Martin Simpson here.

[@jimmchale7348]

Authentic.

[@grahamalexander9956]

Jeepers!! Amazing

[@Qpidon]

Woaw, this is beautifull!

[@olwynyoung6499]

Resonates with the soul

[@sunlitporch]

brilliant..and very moving.

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

@chrissuddes No, looks more like St Lukes LSO. A Gillian Welch gig was filmed there, also Ryan Adams around 2004. Check out their vids from here. Something very magical about the place.

[@twohandband]

Life's a strange affair.

[@Jolie028]

Fabulous!

[@lsdmadman]

truly amazing and she's self taught...no ritzy music schools

[@seanhansford9642]

Love it

[@johnlamb2754]

They do a beautiful song "Unicorns"on A cut above.

[@MagicCarpetMusic]

Exquisite beauty woven from sorrow.

[@robertroberts7071]

Not really, Look for the slightly longer version in which June explains the intent of the song. Beware, she invokes the non-pc word - God. Hence, the selective editing in this version.

[@MagicCarpetMusic]

Roberto Juan (:-) x

[@FrieVanGrunderbeeck]

I fully agree.

[@Wild-Camping-Geordie]

Tame applause for a brilliant performance. Love it ❤❤❤

[@m5177]

Small venue

[@AquaMerleau]

ahhhhh thank you

[@amygoddardmusic]

What a fantastic performance! Anyone know when or where this was recorded? Is there any more? Please post if there is!

[@waterfordrs22]

I seem to remember hearing a version of Beat The Retreat from these two as well. Very nice pairing for this song.

[@woeizme]

Robert Vander Voort You maybe thinking of the version from the Richard Thompson tribute album of the same name- started off with Martin Carthy setting off in a style similar to Mr. Simpson’s in this clip, then gradually adds guitar by David Lindley and James Burton, Danny Thomson on bass, and... a drummer. It is a great version of BtR.

[@lsdmadman]

krikey..appalled yet again..thanky moochoo

[@yaisum]

Can anyone tell me how you categorise Junes voice in terms of pitch? i think it is absolutely fabulous-so rich and deep for a woman. Is it the female equivalent of a baritone?

[@ronwade6252]

If you think this is good catch her singing Beat The Retreat on Songs by Richard Thompson. The finest British female folk singer. Better even than Denny was, which has naturally elevated her to the position of Goddess.

[@rowaddyvash]

Excellent song. But, for me, Sandy Denny is the finest British folk singer.

[@tomtheeagle1]

+ Ron & Mike. Why compare? Why not just enjoy them both for their genius and beauty? It is not a competition. Please leave that shite to Simon Cowell and his ilk.

[@janenorris1225]

Kate Rusby is wonderful too

[@barbarajaspersen8482]

Music is not a competition --it is the love that binds us all together.

[@heatherhoward2513]

Maddy prior, steeleye span. But June tabor is also terrific!

[@sawabojo]

brilliant

[@incongra]

Hi, can someone tell me what TV channel this was on, where it was recorded and who the performers are? - also who wrote this song?

[@hoohargh9945]

This filmed in Bristol, St. Georges ?

[@IckyTzatziki]

St Lukes, London

[@JJBushfan]

This one's staying.

[@lsdmadman]

krikey to use the vernacular...most awesome thang on this here lit-up-box thangy

[@Fluticus]

Great song. Great voice. Great guitar. Hats not to like

[@Papaward1]

Try Richard and Linda for this one! (June is superb, anyway)

[@lexo30]

Technically she'd be a contralto - "alto" has a specialised meaning in choral music and is not normally applied to an individual singer. A contralto is the lowest type of female voice, and June Tabor has about the lowest female voice I've ever heard. Also the spookiest, but there's no technical term for that.

[@Fluticus]

What's even.