Customer Reviews

Treasures Left Behind: Remembering Kate Wolf

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I put this album on and intended to listen as I worked. After the first few chords, I was stopped and stunned to stillness. The honest and poetic lyrics of Kate Wolf are not new to me but this interpretation of her work by her friends has moved me beyond any other album I have ever owned. Five stars are not enough. This album is the Milky Way.

A lovingly produced tribute to the late folk singer/songwriter. Some of the artists -- John Gorka, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams -- never met her but are fervent admirers. Others -- U Utah Phillips, Terry Garthwaite, Peter Rowan, Greg Brown -- worked with her. Each seems moved to invest something of their soul in the songs, and the result is extremely moving. Best tracks? Well, they're all great, but I'd give the nod to Dave Alvin's world-weary take on These Times We're Living In, and the age-meets-experience of Phillips on See Here She Said and Rosalie Sorrel's In China Or A Woman's Heart; and the instrumental version of Back Roads by Nina Gerber, Kate's own guitarist, who also acted as the producer and motivating force behind the project. If you don't know anything about Kate Wolf, you'll be a fan by the time the record's over; if you're already a fan, you'll be intrigued and moved by the different approach each artist brings to these songs. Get it; you'll never regret it.

Here is a tribute to an artist who lived deeply and fully, and was able to express herself simply and eloquently. The assembled artists do justice to the artistry of Kate Wolf. Each time I play this music, I am stopped still by the power of the words, heart-felt and enduring.

This album is a moving, loving tribute to one of folk music's most influential artists. Nina Gerber's efforts, both in producing the piece and in her outstanding guitar work on many tracks, reflect her love and for her friend and mentor, Kate Wolf, and the artists do great justice to each piece. This CD is one that should be in everyone's collection. Outstanding work, Nina!

Look at all the musicians here and who they are and what they mean. Go on any page for any Kate Wolf recording and see how many people feel moved to write about Kate and what she meant to them. You are smart if you read all those comments, smarter if you get as much Kate Wolf and her friends as you can, and are lucky, blessed to have found Kate even though she is no longer with us on Earth, she is here with her music, with the spirit that she has inspired.

Kate's "Red Tailed Hawk" will always be inscribed on my brain its beauty its realness, its aptness, and the reality of the golden rolling hills of California. So perfect and beautiful even though I never had a tape or LP or a CD of it until 12 years after it came out, until after we lost Kate. Still its power comes to me as it did on an old radio sitting in an Oakland apartment, the signal fighting its way all the way up from KFAT ("because we need the bucks) down in Gilroy.

The vision of California that Kate weaves on all her records is preciseless, unique real, and a treasure even if much of it is sweeten myth.

I feel so bad that I lived in San Fransisco and Oakland and travelled up and down California and the West Coast in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Kate was doing her best work and only saw her sing once. There was something to her voice that gets through to me, something pure. Part of Kate's magic is the superb arrangements and backup that got from the musical genius Nina Gerber her main accompaniest. Nina is now out there solo alot. If you like guitar and this kind music check out Nina too.
Oh Kate, why didn't we realize how much of a golden treasure you were when you were among us. In her memory think of a performer you might miss like we all miss Kate--well that isnt fair because thats a big ideal to measure up to--how about someone you would miss half or a quarter as much as I miss Kate, and make sure you go see them while you can, and maybe bring a friend, bring two. How about going to see everyone on this record who is touring and ask them to do a Kate Wolf song, or better, ask them to do whatever song Kate liked them to play for her.

Put this CD on, pour a glass of red wine, find a place to sit in the warmth of the sun or the cool of the shade, and listen to Kate Wolf's evocative lyrics lovingly rendered by some of acoustic music's best.

Kate Wolf has a wonderful voice. For a long time I thought that was what made her music so special: her voice and the great arrangements, but especially her voice. But now we have here a tribute that can lead to only one conclusion: the songs are just great! Every single one artist on this album does a great job: the songs sound great, great, great! Hopefully other artists will also discover Kate's music and record her songs. That would really be good. For now: buy this album! If you like a good song, that is.

I just got this c.d. and listened to it while working. I was amazed. There has been no other c.d. that ever sounded this good. All the performers were excellent. I love accoustic music. This is a fine tribute to Kate Wolf. I had two of her albums many years ago and I am going to order them on c.d. Too many of the best songwriters are gone. God bless these artists for making us remember Kate. I recommend this to everyone.

It is rare that emotions are portrayed with such elegant simplicity, visual images and inspired artistry. In this priceless collection of uncommon love songs some wonderful voices reveal Kate's wisdom, vulnerability, deep understanding of the human spirit, coupled with moments of humor and joy. Perfect for calming the savage beast within during a relaxing evening. Nina Gerber, my hat is off to you -- this is a rare and precious achievement in an industry that is often jaded. The selection of song/poems and the voices who sing them is inspired. I've been a musician for life, and this CD ranks as one of my top ten. Your love for your colleague shines through. A real treasure!

"Treasures Left Behind" is meant to be a tribute to the late folk-singer Kate Wolf. It's full of her beautiful music, sung by other artists who were either moved by Kate Wolf the person, or by her music.

One of the things I love about this collection is that it includes an insert with a lot of great stories about Kate Wolf, as well as the words to each song.

I found all of the songs on this CD to be both awesome and thought provoking. So, I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys folk-type music - these songs have "real" meaning...