Kate Rusby

If, like me,  you loved the theme tune and incidental music to the BBC TV series “Jam and Jerusalem”, you will know the music of Kate Rusby. Accompanied by her talented four piece folk band, her throaty, echoing sound is very distinctive, whether performing arrangements of traditional folk songs or her own compositions. This is music that is easy on the ear, usually tells a story, and makes your foot tap and your head nod.

With her short curly ringlets bobbing, her eyes closed and her hands clutching the mike (when not playing guitar), Kate sung new and favourite songs and between numbers, chatted in her Yorkshire accent, as though you were one of half a dozen friends gathered in her front room. She manages to create this atmosphere with the teasing camaraderie between the musicians (new member, Anna Massie from Scotland , and Andy Cutting, Andy Seward and Ian Carr), and their tales of life at home and on the road. Stories of buying a superman suit for Doris, Kate’s dog to wear, performing in Wakeland Prison, and the delights of Ethel, Maud and Eileen, Andy’s hens, amongst others. Battling with a cough and rubbing her bare arms to keep warm, she was worried if we in the audience were cold and advised us to put our coats on. I half expected her to head for the heating switch – which would have been very welcome actually!

The songs performed in Ipswich included “Awkward Annie,” “Polly”, “Take my Hand,” and “Elfin Knight” plus lots about the sea … Kate pointed out that so many folk songs are about people wandering the seas - and she wonders why they do it.

The musicians play an assortment of instruments (melodeon, violin, etc) and their skill was especially displayed in the only item that didn’t include Kate Rusby.

I warmed to Kate even more when, faced as all performers do with a way of plugging the merchandise for sale in the interval, she managed to make us laugh about the “craft shop” they have, the potters wheel in the back of the van and the new mugs they had made on the way to Ipswich!  When she also gave a big wink while introducing their “final item” (after all, the encores are always planned aren’t they?) she confirmed to me that talented musician that she is, she doesn’t take it all too seriously…..

Rachel Sloane
September 2008