Kate's Mates
Independent Soul' is the latest release from Clare native, Kate Purcell. By Shelley Marsden - 05/05/09
Her third album, released through Dream Records, it features material that was co-written with friend and long-time collaborator Mary Fitzgerald but also, for the first time, Purcell’s own covers of some her favourite songs (including a take
on U2’s Bad).
If you’ve never heard of Purcell before, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Her voice is simply something that has to be heard to be believed, and her rich vocals are capable of moving the most heard-hearted listener.
Highlights include a gorgeously stripped back version of Ewan McColl’s The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face, followed by a traditional-sounding take on Patsy Cline’s I Fall To Pieces (with Brendan Begley on vocals), making gorgeously subtle use of the accordion.
A tricky song for any singer, it showcases her powerful voice to perfection.
A highly-respected performer, Purcell’s albums have always included contributions by artists like Tommy Fleming, Martin Hayes, Brendan Begley and Charlie McGettigan.
Album no.3 continues to open its arms to
fellow-musicians (Brendan Begley, Winnie Horan, Tim Eady and many more).
Purcell duetted with Tommy Fleming on his latest album, and appeared at Vicar Street in Dublin with Paul Brady, Lisa Hannigan, Neil Hannon and others for its ‘Gigs
for Gaza’ series.
Growing up on the fertile terrain of Co Clare (in the small village of Feakle) and surrounded by people like fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes – he was her neighbour – you could say Purcell’s path towards Irish
folk was pretty much pre-destined.
Yet as well as reflecting her Irish influences (The Green Hills of Clare is the singer’s own composition), Purcell also developed a love over the years for contemporary styles, particularly blues and American country from artists like Alison Krauss and Mary Chapin Carpenter and her music spans these genres – an attractive mix of the traditional and the contemporary. Check it out.
For more info, visit www.katepurcell.com.
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