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The title of English folk chanteuse Kate Rusby's latest album, 10, refers not to the number of songs on the disc, but rather the number of years she has performed as a singer/songwriter. 10 is a summary of her career to this point. Her approach to music has been twofold: original songs combined with traditionals that have been incorporated into own inimitable style.

Rusby's voice is pretty, sweet, and ethereal, translating well to such wistful tunes as "The Sleepless Sailor," a lullaby.  Along with "The Fairest of All Yarrow," and "Over You Now," this song was featured in the movie Heartlands.  

There are several instances of Rusby's placing a new tune to old lyrics, notably in "I Wish," and the Irish standard "I Wonder What is Keeping My True Love."  Her version of "The Wild Goose" adapts the old drinking song into a soothing love song.  "Sir Eglamore," done live here, is much more faithful to the tradition from which it emerged.

Rusby's brand of British folk will appeal to fans of Nickel Creek, The Waterboys, or Sarah MacLachlan.  With ten years of music behind her, it's hard to believe she has only reached the tender age of 28 -we should be able to look forward to many more years of what Q Magazine referred to as "a voice descended straight from the angels."

Brian A. Smith 6 May 2003