Brighton folk singer-songwriter (aka The Delta Bell) Kate Gerrard with the help of drums, pedal steel, fiddle, glockenspiel, flugelhorn, cello, harmonium, organ and harmony vocals has made an album rich in deftly shaped textures to accompany her pure pitched vocals.
Gerrard’s vocals are well suited to songs of heartache, loss and on top of this she has the ability to capitalise on her well penned lyrics as folk with hints of country (country rock), blues and pop effortlessly merge as one. Plus on “Forever Yours” the lady drops into a 1960s Motown soul induced groove; most tasty it is too, one she is totally comfortable performing. Next up you have “Strings”, a simple affair its pretty melody draws the listener into her catchment area, and it's one they aren’t likely to want to leave. Gerrard’s love of the 1960s folk or otherwise innocence is impressive, and her voice most soothing. Fans of pedal steel guitar are well served on the record, never more so than on “I’ve Seen The Way”, and for those into something totally mellow flugelhorn assisted “Churches” could well fit the bill. On the flip side of the coin “Carry Us Home” with excellent use of harmonium and female harmony vocals Gerrard produces arguably her most impassioned and finest piece on the record.
Sweet vocals, sometimes a little wistful and acoustic arrangements guide the listen opposed to have them hit head on or forced to one side, so delicate is her change in direction on songs that deal with hard times, sorrow, romance and more.I fully expect Gerrard to build on the album, and possibly add a cover or two for her to place her own stamp (she would be up for the challenge I'm sure of that) to go with her own material next time around.
Maurice Hope