Kate & Brendan – One Year Since – EP
This is a debut EP filled with what’s basically old-time style American tunes, some with an Irish flavor & the duo’s originals written in a folky, traditionally inspired manner. Primarily driven by Kate’s fiddle & Brendan’s cello, combined with their warm vocal harmonies, makes for an exhilarating listen.
The duo self-produced the 6-track One Year Since (Dropped Nov 14/Adhyaropa Records/23:13) was recorded in Portland, OR. While not as blustery a group as Burning Bridget Cleary, this unit manages some suave performances that sound antiquated yet are surprisingly original. With Kate Gregory’s vocals on “Little Bird,” written by Emmylou Harris with Canada’s McGarrigle Sisters, Kate & Anna. The sound is reminiscent of Fairport Convention, if not the even more traditional Pentangle. Superb sound overall. The traditional wood-burning scent of early morning pervades the atmosphere throughout. I’m not Irish or Scottish, but I suspect these types of tunes fall into the category as reels – definitely danceable & always uplifting.
The instrumental interplay creates an entirely whole sound on “Fiddle In the Attic,” an instrumental jig with bellowing cello & pristine fiddle sawing. It’s joyous music. It should be prescribed along with any medication as a chaser. This is bracingly smart music, & it surprises me how well this music shines while not made in Great Britain. Where was the inspiration if not God-given? Delightful.
The duo has an innovative showcase despite its musical antiquity, never performed with a retro flair. It’s contemporary, it’s fresh, & they prove how an older sound can be revitalized with melodic vitamins. The sound is always full & the accompanying musicians are on point. An instrumental like “Warm Grey Day” is lyrically inspiring for a poet.
There were several bands in the late ‘60s & early ‘70s that aspired to music (“Sing a While Longer”), such as this. The Incredible String Band, Amazing Blondell, Curved Air, Pentangle, Fotheringay, Magna Carta & Fairport Convention. They too, tackled brilliant tunes both modern & ancient, bringing a well-accentuated tonality to each performance & they made it all memorable. Kate & Brendan are excellent, continuing in a fine, respected tradition.
Highlights – All 6.
Musicians – Kate (fiddle/shruti box/vocals), Brendan (cello/guitar/electric guitar/vocals) with Ethan Setiawan (mandolin), Nate Sabat (bass), Nic Gareiss (foot percussion), Neil Pearlman (piano), & Conor Hearn (guitar).
Color CD cover image courtesy Baron Collins-Hill. CD @ Bandcamp & Amazon + https://www.kateandbrendanmusic.com/
