DEATH, FRIVOLITY

“Several deaths, but much frivolity,” was how English folk singer June Tabor introduced one song Friday at McCabe’s. And that pretty much summed up the the tone of the evening as she and singer-guitarist Martin Carthy performed for an appreciative audience of folk fans. These two storehouses of songs alternated pairs of whopping good tales born out of centuries of, as Carthy’s opener was titled, “The Hard Times of Old England.”

Yet the show transcended somber archiving thanks to the distinctive stamps of Tabor’s voice (rich as a cello, nimble as a fiddle) and the halting rhythms of Carthy’s stunning guitar playing. Each also added very contemporary senses of politics and humor--especially Carthy, a Stan Laurel-ish Puck whose roundabout introductions covered his guitar tuning struggles.

But it was frustrating to have to wait until the encore, when Carthy backed Tabor on the traditional “Geordie,” to hear these remarkable talents together. Even if they didn’t have time to work up a formal set before this brief tour, there must be at least a few songs they both know.