Customer Reviews

Sweet Bells

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is not your regular, run of the mill Christmas album - not even by folk music standards.

THE VOCALS : KR's vocals are delightful (they always are), and her Yorkshire accent is a real treat to listen to (and this is coming from someone with a Liverpudlian accent!). She doesn't have a powerful voice, but it's a pure voice with a dainty girlish timbre. Whilst I was disappointed that there were no harmony vocals on this album, it may have been a wise choice not to have them - I suspect that they might have clashed with instrumental accompaniment.

THE PLAYING : This is first rate stuff - acoustic guitars, cittern, stand-up bass, fiddle on one track, and diatonic accordion (melodeon) on all tracks with some notable short solos. Also, on five tracks, a variety of brass band instruments played by members of the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and the band of the Coldstream Guards. The sound produced by the musicians has a very rich texture. There is no electric guitar or percussion on this album.

THE SONGS : All of the songs are traditional/festive English songs/carols arranged or adapted by KR - including some arrangements with a regional influence. The songs feature a good mix of tempos.

Some brief comments about a selection :

HERE WE COME A-WASSAILING - An up-tempo song with a strong lilt to it, good lyrics, fine vocals from KR, and some outstanding playing from Andy Cutting (accordion) and Anna Massie (cittern). Great music - traditional English folk music par excellence.

POOR OLD HORSE - I don't think this is a great song, but it touched a nerve with me (I have a 'soft spot' for horses). It's a sad song about a horse who, now that he has grown old, has become increasingly rejected and neglected by his master.

HARK THE HERALD - Not the familiar melody based on a composition by Mendelssohn (Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Mariah Carey et. al.) - one with a joyous sound celebrating the birth of Christ (I am not a particularly religious person, incidentally). KR's arrangement is, by comparison, a rather solemn affair.

SERVING GIRL'S HOLIDAY - Another tremendous traditional English folk song (one with which I'm not familiar). It's a beautiful slow tempo song - bittersweet lyrics, spine-shivering vocals, and sublime accordion from Andy Cutting (the only instrument played on this track).

Some further highlights for me were : KR's vocals on 'The Holly and the Ivy' (again, not the more familiar melody), Anna Massie's cittern playing on 'Hail Chime On', and the Brass Band playing on 'Awake, Arise Good Christians'. The liner notes supply all lyrics and individual musician credits for each track.

There is little I can fault with the performances by any of the artists; however, I have some reservations about a few of the songs/arrangements - but all credit to Kate for choosing less familiar arrangements of some well known carols. A pretty good album, but one which I find less satisfying than 'Awkward Annie'; 4 stars.

Our angel from Yorkshire is back with the loveliest of Christmas albums. Although some of the titles of the Christmas songs may sound familiar, few of the tunes likely will. Kate has used alternate melodies or written her own to accompany the familiar words. As usual, she has found some rare gems, such as "The Miner's Dream of Home," "Poor Old Horse," and "Serving Girl's Holiday" which are wonderful. Her recovery apparently continues in the "McCusker-less" world with beautiful arrangements and superb accompaniment by her regulars: Ian Carr, Andy Cutting, Andy Seward, and others. Kate's familiar, slightly sad, voice ironically produces a real feeling of cheer in the listener without resorting to the usual Yule cliches and easy emotions. I have the new Gretchen Peters and Loreena McKennitt Christmas albums but Kate's is easily the best. Don't miss it. Let the bells ring on.

Years ago I heard an interview on NPR with Kate Rusby and shortly after that my brother sent me one of her CDs as a birthday gift. I have enjoyed every Kate Rusby CD I've added to my collection. I have also had the absolute pleasure of turning some of my friends and family on to her music. I find her voice and the subject matters she sings about to be joyful, funny, tragic, heartbreaking, lovely and uplifting. I love the old folk songs from the UK that her voice interprets so well and clear. Her love of what she does comes through. This Christmas album will be a family favorite.

I admit it. I'm a Christmas junkie. And I am always on the lookout for Christmas music that helps to define and redefine the Christmas songs and carols of the past. This is the album, if you're a folkie. Kate Rusby has the voice of an angel, the songs are wonderful (you'll be singing them in your sleep), and the arrangements are perfect for the material. I buy five or more Christmas CDs a year. This is in the top three of those I've bought in the last 25 years. Everyone I've given it to agrees that it is simply delightful. I would give it 6 stars if I could!

This is a beautiful record; it is sung with a lovely, simple, straighforward sincerity that makes it more endearing with each additional hearing. The songs range from lively, cheerful traditional tunes that get the toes tapping, to enchanting slower, more introspective songs that embrace and celebrate the melancholy of the season--and let's face it; lots of people feel melancholy during the holidays; but up until now, those feelings have gone largely unacknowledged. Kate Rusby is an amazing artist, and this is a treasurable album that will be played in my home for many years to come. I cannot recommend "Sweet Bells" highly enough!

Well,

It's the first song I've heard from her.

I love it.

Bought another CD too and like it as well.