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Review: Kate Rusby LIFE IN A PAPER BOAT

Kate Rusby LIFE IN A PAPER BOAT Pure records 4.5 stars Another gem from the award winning Yorkshire folkie Soon to be celebrating 25 years in the folk business, Kate Rusby albums never fail to impress and LIFE IN A PAPER BOAT is up there with the best. Kate’s fragile but hauntingly beautiful vocals are perfectly suited to the mix of self-penned and traditional numbers. Producer husband Damien O’Kane has done a sterling job and there is nothing approaching a sub-standard track on the album. Rusby has surrounded herself with some of the best supporting musicians from the folk world with Dan Tyminski and Ron Block from Alison Krauss’ Union Station guesting on a couple of tracks. Her song writing is as innovative as ever and I really loved the imaginative lyrics on ‘Hunter Moon’ and the two songs with a seafaring theme, ‘The Mermaid’ and of course, the title track. Just one cover, Archie Fisher’s The Witch of Westmorland; a great tale of a witch with amazing healing powers. One bonus track is included; the catchy Big Brave Bill, a ‘Superman’ like character from Barnsley who comes to the rescue on numerous occasions and derives his strength from drinking

Green Rock River Band – 'Edgelands' Review

Green Rock River Band Edgelands Self-released ✭✭✭✭⭐︎ Following up on their debut album in style Green Rock River Band were

Matt Saxton: A country-rock breakout sensation

Matt Saxton I Wasn’t Looking For Love Self-released **** An expert fusion of rock and country Returning with

Upcoming country star hitches on to the Christmas bandwagon

Sarah Darling WINTER WONDERLAND Self released Clearly a rising star, Sarah Darling has built up a significant fan base

Interviews

The stellar Cambridge Folk Festival kicks off today

The Cambridge Folk Festival returns this weekend, promising a spectacular celebration of Americana. This year’s line-up features an array of incredible artists across four main stages, with something for everyone

Behind the song: Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Where It Ends’

Bailey Zimmerman’s ‘Where It Ends’ is a bombastic track that mixes country with pop punk. It’s hardly surprising, looking at the team that put the song together though; there’s the

Review: Ruth Theodore – I Am I Am

Americana artist Ruth Theodore’s latest release comes in blue (literally). It’s a raw, lyrically intriguing, poetic album that plots Theodore’s love life. ‘Full Metal Jacket’ is a jazzy standout that

Beyond Nashville: No Thee No Ess

Psychedelia and country aren’t often the best bedfellows, but Cardiff band No Thee No Ess have managed to create an album that highlights the best of both worlds. The band

Zach Bryan: Modern Americana icon

Zach Bryan is just 28 years old, but he has a story to tell. Bryan joined the US Navy at 17, finishing his service in 2021. By that time, he

The War and Treaty: Music for resilience and hope

Anyone who is fortunate enough to get the opportunity to see The War and Treaty should take them up on their offer. The husband and wife duo, Michael Trotter Jr.

Review: Various Artists – TWISTERS The Album

Ok, now this is a big hitter. Featuring tracks from Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson, this album is an essential for any country music fan. The inclusion of

Event review: Black Deer Festival 2024