Kaatwalk – “A Week In June” – EP
This short, delightful extended play showcase of 4 songs by Twin Cities singer-songwriter Kaat (vocals/acoustic guitar/synth/piano) may be inspired by Brandi Carlile & Joni Mitchell, but her sound & voice go further back to female folk artists like Sandy Denny, Maddy Prior, yes, Eva Cassidy, & The New Seekers’ excellent Judith Durham. There’s a hint of Pentangle, Curved Air, & Fairport Convention with the addition of strings, tender acoustic guitar, & gentle vocalization. Kaat’s tonality is a little juvenile, perhaps I should say “young,” but I don’t know her age, but the “intonation” she projects is quite mature & so are her themes.
“Home” is a touching, expressive song. Kaat displays good variety in her compositions – where she had strings decorating her second tune, the third “Open Your Eyes” is plucked away on banjo & acoustic guitar. Her voice is a bit aggressive with gradients of concern for what’s going on in the streets today, but doesn’t get so radical that she’s another Joan Baez or Phil Ochs. The song is a good idea, but it doesn’t address the full gravity or offer any answers. And maybe it shouldn’t. Doesn’t matter; independent artists shouldn’t roll the dice in controversy & alienate a paying audience. Not if they expect a prosperous career. That’s coming, not from my opinion, but from my prior PR experience. You want to fill the seats & dollars in the coffers, especially if it’s your livelihood.
The EP was recorded in Minnesota & produced by Kaatwalk, John Wright, & Marv Gohman for “A Week In June” EP (Drops June 16/Independent/15:01). Kaat has a wonderfully sweet voice & it surfaces best on the final song “Thank You for Being You,” a simple composition sung with sincerity. This piece hovers around the lavish & poignant style of Judee Sill (“The Kiss,” “Jesus Was a Cross-maker”). Powerful, yet never touching the rim of bombastic or pretentious. Kaat has pipes, but she never turns up the heat. Instead, she layers the tonality into a refined & decorative sound.
Highlights – “Home,” & “Thank You for Being You.”
Musicians – Marv Gohman (violin/mandolin/banjo), John Wright (electric guitar/upright bass), Jeremy Harvey (drums/percussion), Greg Byers & Cierra Hill (cello/viola).
B & W image courtesy of Mr. E. CD @ https://www.kaatwalk.com/