Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
A hook comes later, but art should at first surprise and gratify, not perhaps having to explain its existence, but certainly living up to the bill as an element of persuasion, a seeker no doubt of a universal truth, a beating heart which pulls others into its sphere of influence, and which wishes the heartfelt love for those who find themselves captivated by its shining example.
The surprise in Kate Rusby’s new album, 30: Happy Returns, is in its absolute embrace of the gigantic, its approach of the truly world wise and dramatic, and whilst this has always been the case for one of Britain’s most enthralling and much loved artists, this latest work is one of daring, of boldness personified, and an intrepid journey that from the opening moments of the album to its stirring harmony finale; and the reason, the adventure behind the feeling, it is because after 30 years we see the artist return to where it began, to the songs of her outstanding career.
There will be those who will suggest that to revisit a familiar path is not one of courage, they are wrong, it takes determination, it takes mettle and care to go back to the person you once were at a particular point and change the narrative of the time, to give it an injection of future belief that comes with the strength of artistic maturity and the resolution of Time.
Happy returns indeed, and the beauty in the surprise comes from the illuminati of musicians and names that have worked with the lady anointed as the Barnsley Nightingale; none perhaps so more illustrious as Ladysmith Black Mambazo on the valorous We Will Sing and Let Me Be with KT Tunstall.
30, a special age of reminisce, a time of reflection bound in new ideas on how to present older comforts and charms, and for Kate Rusby a moment of true consideration, of all that she has been through in life, the trials and fears that make success even more appreciated, even more pleasurable.
Such high notes of folk brilliance, and across tracks such as Cruel, Blooming Heather, Walk The Road, Hunter Moon, and Until Morning, Kate Rusby and her special guests make the past vibrantly clear, with added spectacular colour, a new image for a set of trusted favourites, a reimaging of Time.
Kate Rusby’s 30: Happy Returns is charm and echo, it is freshly anticipated, a vision of peace and storm, and it is beautiful.
Ian D. Hall