Kate Rusby - Little Lights (2001)

Kate Rusby's fragile, haunting voice is only the first reason among equals that makes Little Lights such an unmitigated delight. Just as wondrous are her delicate acoustic arrangements of traditional tunes, the sensitive musicianship of her collaborators (notably guitarists Ian Carr and John Doyle, and the refined backing vocals of Eddi Reader) and, last but definitely not least, her burgeoning songwriting skills. There are more Rusby originals here than on her previous two solo albums, with the catchy story-songs "I Courted a Sailor" and "William and Davy" proving standout items. That is until the extraordinary climax of the album and "My Young Man"--a deeply personal song about Rusby's own grandparents--in which her molasses-rich voice is accompanied by a heavenly brass choir. Elsewhere an achingly mournful cover of Richard Thompson's "Withered and Died" once again demonstrates Rusby's subtle magic with other people's material. (As a bonus track, the Rusby clan get together for an impromptu family rendition of "The Big Ship Sails".) Anyone charmed by Rusby's Mercury Award-nominated Sleepless or her mature debut Hourglass need not hesitate. Those yet to discover one of the finest voices in British folk should rush to acquire all three. --Mark Walker