An Introduction to Anne Briggs

An elusive but tremendously significant figure from the thrilling UK folk scene of the 1960s and 70s, Briggs has barely been heard from since her album Sing a Song for You, recorded in 1973 but not actually released until 1996. So, although it is said she was always more comfortable and impressive when singing live, the esteem in which she's held is largely based on a mere handful of recordings. Many of her best songs are gathered together on this collection, making it a sterling starting point for newcomers to a woman whose legend has sometimes resounded louder than her wonderfully pure, natural singing voice and her elegant mastery of the art. Famously, she taught Bert Jansch ‘Blackwater Side’ and her superlative version from her self-titled 1971 album here follows half a dozen unaccompanied traditional songs she was coaxed into recording between 1963 and 1966 by AL ‘Bert’ Lloyd. Her brief sojourn with the major label CBS for The Time Has Come is unrepresented but there are another five peerless songs from her Topic Records debut, including an epic ‘Young Tambling’ (aka ‘Tam Lin’) while the three tracks from Sing a Song for You contradict her own dismissive view of that recording, which delayed its release for so long.