Kate Bramley – Little Canaan

Description

CD review by Greg Barnett

A solo CD from Kate Bramley, produced by Jez Lowe and featuring The Bad Pennies and Edwina Hayes as guests.

Songs from the tradition, from her favourite writers and from her own pen, make up this solo CD from Kate Bramley, whose role as fiddler and vocalist with Jez Lowe’s, Bad Pennies, has won her fans all over the world.

A vibrant blend of Celtic and old-timey influences, it brings together guest appearances from Edwina Hayes and James Keelaghan, and production by Jez, all stamped with the authority of Kate’s rich vocals and dextrous multi-instrumental skills.

The album’s eponymous first track hints at a great ensemble sound of somewhat traditional folk.

The second track however surprises with a much broader, sophisticated palette, including a sublime fingerpicked guitar, a fretless bass, and soprano sax and intimate, breathy vocals.

Following tracks add fiddle, mandolin, bazouki, whistle, harmonica and many more for delightful and interesting listening, placing the traditional-style lyrics and melodies in a varied and more contemporary setting, all fronted by Kate’s wonderful voice.

A great recording that allows the music to shine.