Kate Witney - Songs for my Supper

1 - review by Eileen Perry (Folk Buzz)

I met Kate briefly at the North West Traditional Song Contest of 1992, when she won first prize, beating me into second place. She was a very worthy winner, one I would have chosen myself, so I was pleased to be asked to review this album of songs.

Here is an accomplished rendition of a varied combination of traditional songs. Kate's style and delivery remains undiminished since the performance I saw in 1992, and her timing and pace show the hallmarks of a polished singer.

All the songs are unaccompanied, and sung with passion and intensity. Her voice is clear and rich in quality and her emotions come through in the conviction with which she sings. "Betsy Walton", "Georgie" and "The Death of Queen Jane" indicate sadness, and you can feel her anger and indignation in "The Meeting Place at Peterloo". Only once or twice did her singing become a little strident, but this did not spoil what is otherwise an enjoyable album.

With 18 tracks to choose from there is something for any enthusiast of traditional folk songs.

Eileen Perry

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2 - review by Jim Hancock (Folktalk)

Probably one of the most difficult of tasks for a singer of traditional unaccompanied song is that of recording an album. With no instrumental to hide behind and every nuance of the performance open to repeated inspection this is surely the most exposed position for any performer. Kate Witney shows that it can be done, and done with considerable skill. This cassette album holds the listener through eighteen classic traditional tracks ranging from "Sprig of Thyme" to "The Death of Queen Jane" with never a waver. Kate's voice is clear and precise and her slightly decorative style does full credit to the songs.

Even old stagers like 'The Bold Grenadier" take on a new freshness as she reasserts the meanings of songs which in many cases we have come to take a little too much for granted. She achieves this through both thoughtful and expressive singing and through the skilll manipulation of pace, allowing a song to build as it progresses .

Of the collection "Georgie" is a particularly high quality piece of worlk, beautifully presented and never allowing the pathos to develop into melodrama whilst "Betsey Walton" is sung with a delicacy and feeling which does real credit to both singer and song. I have only one complaint and that is a bit of unnecessary double tracking on "Shule Agra"; the performance is strong enough in its own right.

Altogether this is an impressive effort and I feel sure it is just the start ot bigger things to come. For more information contact Kate on 01673 885058.

Jim Hancock

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