Kate Rusby - Live from Leeds

I was introduced to this most talented artist through the show Jam and Jerusalem. I heard a tune, found the name to be Underneath the Stars by a singer-songwriter named Kate Rusby. I immediately purchased the CD. I listened to it and loved it. Time passed, the CD left unplayed and I pulled it out and have been listening to it over and over in awe of the way Kate can bring so much life, passion, emotion and innocence to a song.I went online, saw the DVD, read the reviews and figured, "Why not." Well, I have already watched it about 7 times. As good as Kate is on CD, well, she is amazing live. Her energy is most wonderful and the little anecdotes she tells between the songs just warms my heart. She, as well as her band, is so humble, gracious and talented.She as gathered together a most talented group of musicians that complement her in every way possible. As I watch them perform I see them go into that place, some call it the zone. It is obvious they love what they are doing and it shows. I can feel their passion and as Kate sings, most of the time with eyes closed, I feel as though she is permitting us, her audience into a very private and sacred place. At other times I feel like she's invited us all to sing in and have a grand time.For anyone who is a fan of Kate, I highly recommend this DVD. You will not be disappointed, but rather, most wonderfully pleased. For those who haven't heard of Kate, go ahead. You won't be sorry.

I appreciate Kate Rusby's traditionalist approach towards folk music, but it's also hard to deny that variety in tempos, rhythms and arrangements are not Rusby's specialty. So if there's one thing about this gorgeously shot, well performed and beautifully packaged (especially for an indie label) DVD, it's that over the course of the 16-song set, it's mostly the same sounds over and over, and as lovely as they are, it could have been more varied.I'd seen Kate Rusby live in New York at a small space, and my favourite part of that show hadn't even been her lovely voice or John McCusker's glistening cittern work, but how marvelously funny Rusby's in-between banter was. The same holds true for this DVD -- Rusby's extended chats to the audience, and persistent English jokes, are almost the highlight of this DVD. The banter makes the show seem more affectionate, less of a display and more of a joint celebration. The shooting and editing are excellent, with nary a beat missed and judicious, effective use of audience details, and the colours and camera work are great, engrossing you into the show and the performers, making you feel like you're actually there.Performance-wise, aside from my nagging concern about the relatively unchanging arrangements, Rusby does also tend to speed up her uptempo songs quite a bit -- "Sir Eglamore" and "The Cobbler's Daughter" suffer especially from this, sounding almost panicked, with little space for vocals. But Rusby's ballad singing is good, and the audience's willing participation adds to the genial vibe.Overall, a very good concert DVD. If you like this music, this is about as good a visual documentation of the show as you can expect.

I have recently caught on with Kate Rusby's brand of folk music and seeing her in this concert appearance gave me a greater appreciation of her music. I may never get the opportunity to see her perform live unless fortune permits me to travel to England, so the next best thing was this DVD.The DVD itself is put together well, containing not only the concert performance but other "studio" renditions of a few more songs by Kate. The quality of it all is very good. The viewing experience watching it on HD TV with the associated surround sound all adds to a very pleasurable viewing and listening experience.Another benefit here too is you get to see Kate with her full band. I have seen Moya Brennan and Altan perform here in northern Virginia with a minimum "core" band composition and it can limit how the music is played and even which songs can be played. I have been told that many Celtic groups from overseas are limited in their tours by cost and sometimes having proper Visas for all band members.If you like Kate Rusby, you'll like her even more on this DVD.

What's not to like about this DVD? You'll feel better after watching it: there's warmth, good humor, great talent, and a commitment to the music. The concert is the centerpiece with Kate's beautiful singing complemented by a great band, including John McCusker on fiddle and 27 other instruments. Kate's song introductions are informative and charming and funny. The production values on the DVD are perfect: you get to see all of the musicians from every angle, even from the back. The cameras move slowly and even look at the audience so you get a good feel for the venue and where the band fits into it all. The sound is fine, the musicianship stellar, and everyone looks to be having a good time of it. Beyond the concert the DVD provides Kate singing in various informal settings: a living room, a pub (hey! there's Phil Cunningham at the table playing accordion) with assorted folks joining her. And there are interviews, too! This DVD is a perfect way to add depth to your appreciation of Kate Rusby's music or a fine way to introduce her to your friends.

I ordered two copies of this product and neither would play on either of my cd players. Returning the product was also a hassle. I am not sure that it was ever resolved after all my efforts.

I've had a bootleg copy of this concert several years ago, but at some point it got partially erased. I am so thrilled to have the whole concert again. And I should add, that you cannot have a better example of Celtic music. I am a great lover of all sorts of musical styles, from Louis Armstrong through Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt to Mandolin Orange. If you are not already a fan of the Celtic styles, this DVD will add a new appreciation forever.

An oldie but goodie.

Entertaining

Möglicherweise werden - in Klingelton-Zeiten wie diesen und vor allem auch in unseren Breitengraden - nicht sehr viele diese britische Ausnahme-Folksängerin kennen, doch gerechtfertigt ist das nicht! Die zierliche Dame (1973 geboren) mit ihrem wunderschönen Lächeln und ihrer mindestens ebenso wunderschönen Stimme ist auch auf DVD noch ein Ereignis. Makellos von einer mehr als kompetenten Herrencombo begleitet, bahnt sie sich souverän ihren musikalischen Weg durch eher ruhig gehaltene Eigenkompositionen und traditionelle Folktunes, recht modern und doch traditionell zugleich dargeboten. Hier gibt es keine Lichtshow, keine wackelnden Hinterteile, die einem ins Gesicht gehalten werden, keine billigen Posen. Das ist Musik, die berührt, atmet und lebendiger ist als all der Klangmüll in den Konsenshörerhitparaden. Ein Geheimtip - diese DVD ist übrigens auch erstklassig produziert und jeden Cent wert, neben 16 Songs findet man auch einige nette Extras...

Kate RusbyのＤＶＤが欲しくても、なかなかレビューが出なく迷ってました。別の外資系のサイトではリージョン・オールなのでほぼ間違いなく大丈夫と思っていましたが、レビューを待ってました。しかしながらある放送でのピーター・バラカン氏の絶品であり最高のＬＩＶＥとコメントを聴きたまらず我慢していたものが開放されとうとう購入に踏み切りました。昨日届き、祈りつつＤＶＤプレーヤに乗せたところ、見事ＬＩＶＥが始まりました。内容も最高の出来で、アリソン・クラウス以来の良いＬＩＶＥＤＶＤです。ＣＤでしか堪能しておらず、実際のKate Rusbyはどんなんだろう？って思ってましたが結構可愛いですね。旦那のJohn McCuskerも何故かモヒカン！(>_<)！でも見事なプレーぶりです。最初から最後まで気持ちの良い、ＬＩＶＥ会場に居て鑑賞しているような気分でした。会場もコンパクトでいかにもイギリスって雰囲気のものです。最初は少年二人が登場しKate Rusbyを紹介し（これがまた可愛い）ＬＩＶＥはスタートします。絶対に買いです！Kate Rusbyファンは必見！でない人でも、この素晴らしい声（たまらない！リチャード・トンプソンも絶賛）とトラッドミュージックはお薦めするので購入してみては？

Very enjoyable DVD my favourite being Who will bring me lullaby,s.

Kate Rusby is simply magnificent. She is so naturally at ease with her audience and this spark comes over on her DVD. Pull yourself a pint and simply enjoy this talent. The extras are indeed very good, and not just things used to fill up an empty space, unlike lots of other more famous singers. I thoroughly recommend this DVD and am looking forward her next one.