Personnel: Kate Rusby (guitar); Chris Thile (vocals, mandolin); Eddi Reader, Joe Rusby, John Hudson (vocals); Ian Carr (guitar, electric guitar, tenor guitar, ukulele); John Doyle (guitar); John McCusker (tenor guitar, cittern, fiddle); Kris Drever (tenor guitar); Andy Seward (banjo, double bass); Leon Hunt (banjo); Fiona Stephen, Donald "Danny Champagne" Grant, Greg Lawson (violin); Michael McGoldrick (flute); Andy Cutting (accordion); Andy Duncan (tuba); Jim Fletcher (tenor horn); Ewen Vernal (double bass); Mattie Foulds (drums).
Audio Mixer: Joe Rusby.
Arranger: Kate Rusby.
It's both more of the same and all change for Kate Rusby on her new album: more of the same because she brings the same intimacy and warm voice to the proceedings, and a clutch of good songs, superbly arranged and performed; all change because she produced the disc herself, following a split with husband John McCusker (who's here as a musician on some cuts), and because there's a slightly greater percentage of her own material in among the traditional fare. There's a definite sense of loss in her own songs, not only in the title track and "Bitter Boy" but also the gorgeous "Daughter of Heaven," that speaks of a tumultuous few years in her personal life. Her writing has improved, with a sharpness and reflection that suit her style well. But many come to Rusby for her interpretations of traditional songs, and she doesn't disappoint here: "John Barbury" is a lovely variant on "Willie O'Winsbury," and "Blooming Heather," "The Streams of Lovely Nancy," and "Andrew Lammie" don't disappoint. But everything is excellent, and even the air of melancholy that pervades much of the album doesn't alter the quality. However, it all ends on a much brighter note with a cover of the Kinks' "The Village Green Preservation Society," which was used as the theme for a British sitcom. It's a loving, sprightly homage, about the closest to rock that Rusby has ever come (and that isn't too close), as well as a reminder of how acute a writer Ray Davies could be. It's hard to tell if this is the closing of an old chapter or the beginning of a new one, but there's a definite sense of transition. ~ Chris Nickson
Professional Reviews
Paste (magazine) (p.78) - "Kate Rusby's bonus-track cover of Ray Davies' 'The Village Green Preservation Society' adds a delightful context to the characters she sings about on the mostly traditional but in-touch AWKWARD ANNIE."
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Reviews
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Kate Rusby is one of the foremost musicians in the English-Celtic Traditional Folk group. If you've once heard her light, feathery voice, you won't forget her. It's light as a feather, but with the subtle tremolo that can send a listener soaring with joy or to the tissue box to wipe away a tear or two. From reading the liner notes, it appears Ms. Rusby's been through some tough times and that may be reflected in the selection of traditionals and composition of original music chosen here, particularly "Daughter of Heaven" and "Bitter Boy."
This collection of 12 songs, which runs about 52 minutes, includes four of Rusby's own compositions. They are "Awkward Annie", "The Bitter Boy", "High on a Hill", and "Planets". What amazes me about Rusby's own writing is the strong traditional sentiment. You can listen to "High on a Hill" right next to "Blooming Heather" (more commonly known as "Wild Mountain Thyme") and not realize that one of the songs was written today.
The remaining traditionals feature Rusby's arrangements, which are subtle and graceful. I've heard "Wild Mountain Thyme" from a wide variety of performers, both live and recorded and her "Blooming Heather" is one of the most beautiful.
My favorites from this CD have changed every time I listen to it. "Blooming Heather", "Daughter of Heaven" and "Planets" are the three selections that have gotten the most repeats so far, but that can change as times do.
Kate Rusby's a soothing companion on a day you just need to kick back with a cat or two in your lap and a cup of tea. If you're not familiar with traditional folk, she's a great artist to begin with. If you are, you will appreciate her elegant and evocative treatment of your old favorites.
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