The Queen & The Soldier - Kate Rusby, Vega, Suzanne
Courting Is a Pleasure
The Constant Lovers
The Dark-Eyed Sailor
Hunting the Hare
The Plains of Waterloo
Exile - Kate Rusby, Knightley, Steve
Originally released in the U.K. in 1995, this album captures the duo just after they'd won the prestigious Young Tradition folk award. They bring a freshness and fire to the mostly traditional, familiar songs, which is no ... more »mean feat, Roberts's sweetness tempering Rusby's roughness well. It's Kate Rusby who emerges as the more distinctive voice here. Her version of "Recruited Collier" is a joy, and, both solo and with the Poozies, her star continues to rise, while Roberts has settled for less. The knowledge of what's happened since doesn't lessen the enjoyment of this record, however. If anything, this glimpse into the past shows two people laying a solid foundation for the future, and when you consider they were only 20, it's a remarkable achievement of youth. --Chris Nickson« less
Originally released in the U.K. in 1995, this album captures the duo just after they'd won the prestigious Young Tradition folk award. They bring a freshness and fire to the mostly traditional, familiar songs, which is no mean feat, Roberts's sweetness tempering Rusby's roughness well. It's Kate Rusby who emerges as the more distinctive voice here. Her version of "Recruited Collier" is a joy, and, both solo and with the Poozies, her star continues to rise, while Roberts has settled for less. The knowledge of what's happened since doesn't lessen the enjoyment of this record, however. If anything, this glimpse into the past shows two people laying a solid foundation for the future, and when you consider they were only 20, it's a remarkable achievement of youth. --Chris Nickson
"First, let me admit: I came to this record after hearing Ms Rusby on the radio recently, ordered several CDs, and this one arrived first, so I can't compare it to other records by either artist. It's been a great surprise. One of my favorite 'folk revival' records of all time is Maddy Prior and June Tabor's "Silly Sisters" and fans of that record should buy this without hesitation. Now, this is not quite in the rarified terriory of June & Maddy, but it is very good. Both Ms Rusby and Ms Roberts have fine voices, but Rusby's is often quite thrilling and is the real star here. The unfussy, simple arrangements serve their oft-heard material well. Ms Rusby sounds particular luminous on "Recruited Collier" & "Dark Eyed Sailor". I am also partial to Ms Roberts version of "Plains of Waterloo" -- this doesn't quite match the specatularly mournful June Tabor version (on her "Airs and Graces") but she does nicely capture the heartache in this ballad, one of my favorite "my lover went to war and now he's dead" ballads. If I have a complaint it is that there is quite enough variety of mood here -- but that's a small problem with stuff this lovely. "
Kate Rusby & Kathryn Roberts sound like magic
Rob Kemp | Hayward, Ca United States | 11/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of female vocalists, nor am I a Celtic music buff. However I've never heard two women sing together like these two. It's a sound that caresses and squeezes your heart all at the same time... The sound makes me feel like I want to cry from the saddest and most warm embrace."
Beautiful harmonies and lyrics
mirroe@aol.com | California | 10/01/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This a beautifully sung and produced album with some traditional celtic tunes and several that are more contemporary. The version of The Queen and the Soldier is amazing."
Tears in my eyes.
Lighthouse Ann | Baltimore, MD USA | 07/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Forgive my cliche. I love Kate Rusby and figured I would check out this duet CD. Wow. These songs are simple and pure. You can only get away with such minimal instrumental accompaniment if you have the voices to fill the whole landscape. These ladies have it. Roberts adds a rich and intensely beautiful counterpart to Rusby's magical voice. Together --- I just get tears in my eyes. I put this CD on, lie on the floor, spread my arms out, close my eyes, and let my imagination go. I love all my Rusby CDs, but this is my most favorite of favorites."