Awkward Annie (1 Bonus Track)

"I am wandering now.
Through this world
I am wandering, wandering,
These are the days I live now."
(from "Planets")

AWKWARD ANNIE is beautiful and melancholy. I don't want to read too much into the music knowing how difficult the last two years have been for Kate. I can imagine, though, it must have been as tough as her liner notes indicate. It's funny how you want artists you love to be happy and free from the heartaches which plague most humans. John McCusker must have been a tough genius to live with. The good news is that Kate has made one helluvah debut as producer and arranger. Definitely not adrift without the guiding brilliance of John.

The poignancy is potent in many places in the record--most strongly in "The Bitter Boy," "Farewell," "Planets," "Andrew Lammie" and "Daughter of Heaven." How many of the lyrics and sentiments are meant to be autobiographical I don't know--hard to avoid thinking so with "The Bitter Boy." As to her usual high standard, she mixes lovely traditionals (for which she's written music) and several gorgeous originals which--as is always the case with Kate--sound somehow old and new at the same time.

One characteristic, I think, of her producing and arranging is a new emphasis on instrumental interludes in the midst of the songs. I count eight songs in which the magic combination of instrumentalists are allowed to do their own thing for extended periods. How beautiful those players play. Several songs have a whole group of string players and several others a great mix of horns. The banjo figures in several songs more than in previous albums. And what a group of harmony singers: Eddi, Chris, Joe and the amazing deep voice of John Hudson. The latter and Eddi Reader work such choral magic in my favorite song on the album, "Blooming Heather," that I get goosebumps every time I listen to it. This--in spite of all the versions I've heard and liked of this song under its more common name, "Wild Mountain Thyme." This is the best version, the most moving one, I know of this great song. Overall, my favorites are "The Bitter Boy," "John Barbury," "High on a Hill," "Planets," "Daughter of Heaven," and, of course, "Blooming Heather." One signature moment--Donald Shaw's gorgeous piano work in "John Barbury." Exquisite. And Kate and Eddi were made to harmonize.

I hope the artistic achievement of AWKWARD ANNIE and the support of her family give Kate much solace.

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

Kate has once again captured my heart with this amazing album. She seems to share more of herself, more of her sorrows, and more of her own self-expression in this delicate work. The same beautiful voice is there, the same intricate melodies... and yet after listening to this album, I feel like I know Kate just a little bit better. For those of you who love other albums by Kate Rusby, this one will not disappoint.

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