Kathryn Williams @ The Arches
Gentle passion has never sounded so vital
| 12 Dec 2006
Kathryn Williams' acoustic lyricism belies her fierce punk aesthetic. She has self-released a series of increasingly sophisticated albums and her adventurous cover versions rescued several rock standards from reverential obsolescence.
Performing with long-time collaborator Dave Scott on guitar and Laura Reid's cello, she transforms the dank tunnel of the Arches into an intimate club. The discreet arrangements of her new CD are interspersed with older material and breath-taking versions of songs by Ivor Cutler, Big Star and Leonard Cohen; encore Hallelujah draws gasps of admiration as her usually exquisite soprano growls out a finale both sublime and erotic.
While the few earlier songs were solid, the selections from her latest release, Leave to Remain, suggest an artist at the summit of her abilities - gentle passion has never sounded so vital. Glass Bottomed Boat stuns the crowd into tearful silence, and Alex Chilton's 13, a paean to schoolgirl love, was given an acoustic metal work-out.
Williams' performance is perfect: from her eloquent voice, through her drumless band to the telling detail of her words, she rediscovers folk music and infuses it with kindness, charm and sensuality. [Gareth K Vile]
Performing with long-time collaborator Dave Scott on guitar and Laura Reid's cello, she transforms the dank tunnel of the Arches into an intimate club. The discreet arrangements of her new CD are interspersed with older material and breath-taking versions of songs by Ivor Cutler, Big Star and Leonard Cohen; encore Hallelujah draws gasps of admiration as her usually exquisite soprano growls out a finale both sublime and erotic.
While the few earlier songs were solid, the selections from her latest release, Leave to Remain, suggest an artist at the summit of her abilities - gentle passion has never sounded so vital. Glass Bottomed Boat stuns the crowd into tearful silence, and Alex Chilton's 13, a paean to schoolgirl love, was given an acoustic metal work-out.
Williams' performance is perfect: from her eloquent voice, through her drumless band to the telling detail of her words, she rediscovers folk music and infuses it with kindness, charm and sensuality. [Gareth K Vile]