Kate Rusby is a
folksinger through and through, with a tender, lilting voice and a penchant for traditional songs from her native British Isles. What sets her apart is somewhat intangible, though nevertheless there. Perhaps it's the fact that her original compositions snuggle up alongside timeless
ballads like old friends. Perhaps it's the fact that should you not share her penchant, you will still be captivated by her work. Quite an accomplishment, that.
Rusby is bringing this genre into the 21st century with such aplomb; it's remarkably irresistible. Rather like
Gillian Welch's and
Keb' Mo's contributions to
American folk and
blues music, respectively,
Rusby breathes new life into a lineage of music that will not and should not be allowed to fade into history.
Ten is a collection of re-recorded, live, and new tunes, each a signpost from the journey she's taken in her ten-year career. The production and sonic quality of
Ten are seamless, simple, and right on the mark, such that, without looking at the track listing, you won't easily pick the live and re-mastered tunes out of the bunch, save for the applause. In a time when many artists feel that bigger and louder are the attributes of excellence,
Rusby makes a quietly bold and convincing statement to the contrary. ~ Kelly McCartney
![Two Sevens Clash [The 30th Anniversary Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0016351456526_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Two Sevens Clash [The 30th Anniversary Edition]")
