KATE RUSBY & KATHRYN ROBERTS
KATE RUSBY & KATHRYN ROBERTS
Compass - 4270
available on amazon
This recent release by Compass Records in the US. ( it was released in England in 1995) is a fine example of the richness of the state of the future of folk music. These 2 with the very able help and backing of John McCusker on violin and cittern, Alison Kinnaird on cello, and Robin Morton on Bodhran, have produced a disc that is both rich in texture, yet highlighted by simple and at times sparse arrangements. They both come from the old school of traditional folk music that has deep and long roots in the British Isles. The songs displayed on this discc are mostly those whose authors are only listed as traditional, however they show they are not afraid to tackle something of more recent vintage. They venture outside the realm of the past to do a song by Suzanne Vega ( though it 's lyrical content is of the same tradition, and one by Steve Knightley. The arrangements of the songs are done by these two ladies, either working alone or together. They use their skills to create a dark and haunting feel that seemingly harkens back to times that were rich in the courtly customs for which The Isles are famous. The days of knights and ladies, but most importantly a tradition of chivalry. The songs glory in those times both in feel and in lyrical content. These two also display a worldliness that is at odds with their scarcity of years of experience. This is a disc that baths in the luxuriousness of these times that have passed with a richness that is disarming. A debut that bodes well of things to come from them.
Produced by John McCusker
Songs, times and authors - all songs are traditional except where noted
1 RECRUITED COLLIER - 3:21
2 NED ON THE HILL - 4:11
3 THE LORRY RIDE - 3:39 - Trad/Lisa Tubb
4 THE QUEEN AND THE SOLDIER - 5;15 - Suzanne Vega
5 COURTING IS A PLEASURE - 5:46
6 THE CONSTANT LOVERS - 3:52
7 THE DARK-EYED SAILOR - 6:38
8 HUNTING THE HARE - 2:58
9 THE PLAINS OF WATERLOO - 4:51
10 EXILE - 4:07 - Steve Knightley
Musicians
Kate Rusby - vocals, guitar, piano
Kathryn Roberts - vocals, piano, flute, clarinet, soprano saxaphone
John McCusker - violin, cittern
Alison Kinnaird - 'cello
Robin Morton - bodhran