[FM] review of Kate Rusby's CD "Kate10"

[celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com]

Below is my review of Kate Rusby's CD "Kate10".

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                             A Review of the CD
                               "KateRusby10"
                               by Kate Rusby
-------------------------------------------------------------------"KateRusb
y10"
by Kate Rusby

copyright 2003 7-4350 2
Compass Records
117 30th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37212
ph: (800)757-7672
fax: (615)320-7378
http://www.compassrecords.com
mailto:info@compassrecords.com

This review is written by Kevin McCarthy, 12/02
"Kevin's Celtic & Folk Music CD Reviews"
http://www.surfnetusa.com/celtic-folk/index.html
mailto:celtic-folk@surfnetusa.com

Kate Rusby owns one of those instantly recognizable voices. Like John Gorka
or Bill Morrissey here in the States, or the vocals of June Tabor or
Dolores Keane over the Atlantic, all it takes is one or two notes and
identification is a snap. Rusby's is a seduction of the wistful, combined
with delicateness and a hint of fragility.

She brings her unqualified asset to this John McCusker (her husband)
produced release which contains fifteen songs--re-recordings of previously
produced offerings, some live concert numbers and a few cuts yet to appear
under her spell.

The release seems most affecting with cuts six through ten--these are the
ones with the greatest vitality and emotion on display..

The plaintive "I Wonder What Is Keeping My True Love" maintains the love
lost U.K. folk and celtic music tradition, aided by a touching whistle
interlude by Michael McGoldrick.

Positively balancing out the male-female scorecard is "Sweet Bride,"
featuring a jaunty banjo solo by McCusker.

McCusker on viola and Andy Cutting on accordion provide enjoyable
complementary backing on "The Maid Of Llanwellyn."

Although Rusby gives it away in the liner notes, "The Wild Goose" is a
charming sea shanty she has reformed by slowing it down and adding some
soothing fiddling by McCusker. This is the best on the release.

"Sir Eglamore," features a meshing of McGoldrick's flute and McCusker's
fiddle in this tale of dragon and knight derring do.

The fourteenth cut, "Drowned Lovers," is a tale featuring subject matter
with just about everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. The tune careens
along, picking up speed as it moves to conclusion.

It would be very interesting to see Rusby cut loose with a Pogues-ish-style
song or two or maybe try her hand at some bluegrass. Maybe next time. This
release will not be a major surprise to Rusby fans but a good introduction
to those unadorned of her charms.

As for this one--move over Bo Derek. There's another 10 in town and this
one has talent.

Rusby, on vocals and guitar, is supported by John McCusker on cittern,
viola, fiddle, whistle and piano;  Ian Carr on guitar; Ewen Vernal on
double bass; Andy Cutting on accordion; Alison Brown on banjo; Francis
MacDonald on snare drum; John Doyle on guitar; Andy Seward on double bass
and banjo; James Macintosh on percussion; Jackie Wells on cello; Conrad
Ivitsky on double bass and banjo; Malcolm Stitt on guitar; Neil Yates on
brass; Lester Simpson on vocals; Michael McGoldrick on flute and whistle
and Davy Steele on vocals.

Track List:

   * The Recruited Collier - Traditional (4:04)
   * I Wish - Traditional (4:05)
   * Over You Now - Kate Rusby (4:46)
   * The Sleepless Sailor - Kate Rusby (4:38)
   * The Fairest Of All Yarrow - KateRusby/Traditional (3:32)
   * I Wonder What Is Keeping My True Love - Traditional (4:48)
   * Sweet Bride - Kate Rusby (3:40)
   * The Maid of Llanwellyn - Joanna Baillie/Kate Rusby (4:19)
   * The Wild Goose - Traditional/Kate Rusby (4:24)
   * Sir Eglamore - Traditional (3:57)
   * Night Visiting Song - Traditional/Kate Rusby (4:58)
   * Cowsong - Kate Rusby (4:37)
   * Botany Bay - Kate Rusby/Traditional (5:30)
   * Drowned Lovers - Traditional - (5:28)
   * Bold Riley - Traditional - (4:29)

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