Kate Rusby has a rare quality. A consummate live performer, her wistful folk songs are often mournful creatures that pluck at the heart strings. Less skilled hands would make this evening heavy and brooding, but Rusby has the touch of the expert folk performer. Eccentric, humorous and a giddy story-teller, she ensures that tonight we’re guided through love-lorn territories with laughter and warmth. An intimacy is created, luring the audience in and allowing them explore frequently stunning and moving pieces of music, infused with Rusby’s infectious personality.
Throughout tonight’s set there’s silly banter between the musicians, impersonations of TV characters, shared stories of life on the road and even a recipe for making the perfect mashed potato. These spoken word stories create the perfect setting for Rusby’s stunningly individual voice. In an instant, we’re lifted from Vicar Street and transported to a parlour or country pub’s back bar.
Naturally, a good portion of tonight is devoted to songs from her excellent sixth studio album The Girl Who Couldn’t Fly. ‘The Lark’, ‘Mary Blaize’, ‘No Names’ and ‘Elfin Knight’ fit effortlessly into her set. Rusby’s take on Patsy Cline’s ‘You Belong To Me’ is particularly stunning, emphasising her ability to drift within character-driven songs and give them an otherworldly feeling of ancient romance. There’s an innocence in the way she sings, flowing through older numbers such as ‘The Cobbler’s Daughter’ and ‘Botany Bay’. The night closes with the beautiful ‘Underneath The Stars’. English folk music’s brightest young talent has become one of its leading lights.