Kate Rusby - Awkward Annie
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Free Music Notes for Awkward Annie
Free Music Review: If you've once heard her voice, you will never forget it
Hit: 5 Stars
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.
Rebecca Kyle, May 2008
Free Music Review: Kate's beauty not fading with familiarity
Hit: 5 Stars
Kate has done it again, made a beautiful record. As my queen of folk music, Kate has once again not strayed from what she does best: used her angelic, lilting voice to bless beautiful though simple string arrangements (though not simple enough that I could ever hope to play them). This is Kate's first self-produced album, and she obviously knows what has worked for her on past albums and stays within that comfortable and warm song tradition that pulls me more and more towards her CDs in my collection. She's seemingly structured the melodies in just the right keys as to tap in to that magical special-something that happens right at the break in her voice when she slips over into her airy falsetto, just stunning.
My only complaint about this album is that I feel like Kate's voice is a little too low in the mix, maybe as a result of her producing herself and maybe feeling some small amount of self-consciousness about her own voice (just a guess). I'll just need to sit down with the liner notes to catch the lyrics that I'm not hearing as clearly as I might like.
I suspect, as with most of her other albums, that over time the melodies will seep into my subconscious so that eventually these songs will feel like I've always known them. That's when they somehow transport me to some "other country" where angels dare to tread. "Modern music" has got nothing on our wonderful little lassie Kate. God bless you, Kate. Keep up the wonderful work. PS Please tour in the USA someday. :)
Free Music Review: One of Rusby's Best Albums
Hit: 5 Stars
In most cases, it takes me a few times to listen to one of Rusby's albums to fully appreciate it. This one is different. Some of the songs ("Blooming Heather/Wild Mountain Thyme") take a little bit of listening to get used to but others ("Bitter Boy," "High on a Hill," and others) grabbed me a almost immediately.
This is one of Rusby's best albums, and if you are looking for a first album to hear this outstanding artist, this is THE album to listen to. This is probably paired with "Hourglass" as my favorite albums of hers of all time, though they are extremely different.
Free Music Review: Best purchase of the year... so far
Hit: 5 Stars
I bought this originally for the theme for Clatterford. I was blown away by Kate's voice and tender approach of each song. Favorite songs are Awkard Annie, John Barbury, The Old Man, Daughter of Heaven, Blooming Heather and of course The Village Green Preservation Society (theme from Clatterford). But my favorite song is probably Bitter Boy. Just an amazing CD all around. I've been looking for music just like this and can't express my appreciation and admiration for this artist enough after just one CD. I'm now looking forward to ordering everything I can from Kate.Free Music Review: Traditional Folk Music from England
Hit: 5 Stars
Kate Rusby has been prolific in releasing Traditional English Folk albums for a number of years. She never disappoints either, taking you on journeys through the country and Englands history. She has a beautiful voice which at times is mesmerising and this album continues the tradition of a mix of traditional songs and her own compositions. She rightfully has her place among the top current English Folk musicians such as Show of Hands and Seth Lakeman. If only out of curiosity this album is worth a go.