Karine PolwartCountry of origin:Scotland Type of music generally:Contemporary folk (one album of traditional songs) Status:Most recent release, Threshold (compilation, 2013); most recent release of all-new material, Traces (2012) See also:Karine Polwart's site Comparisons:A stronger-flavoured Mary Black, Maire Brennan, other contemporary folk singer/songwriters Covers/own material:Own General comments:Karine Polwart has a terrific voice. She also writes lovely contemporary folk/singer-songwriter songs. The only flaw is that she's no longer singing the traditional material she did in the band Malinky where I grew to love her. Anyone who is fond of mainstream contemporary folk will almost certainly love this solo work: strong tunes, a gorgeous, expressive voice, excellent musicianship. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com) Comments about live performance:I saw Karine Polwart last night at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London (lovely venue, by the way), and she was honestly quite surprised by the number of people who turned out to see her. (It was a pretty full house.) I think she's still surprised that people like her, they really like her. Recommended first album:The consensus online seems to be Faultlines is the place to start but I think I actually prefer Scribbled in Chalk. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com) Recordings:
FaultlinesRelease info:2005—Neon Records—NEONCD005 Availability:U.K. Ecto priority:Highly recommended for folk fans Group members:Karine Polwart—vocals, harmony vocals, acoustic guitar Guest artists:Mattie Foulds—drums, percussion Produced by:Rab Noakes Comments:A strong collection of contemporary folk/pop music with Karine Powart's powerful, lovely vocals. My favourite tracks here are the lively "Only One Way" and "Resolution Road", and the story song, "Azalea Flower". (sophiagurley@hotmail.com) Scribbled in ChalkRelease info:2006—Shoeshine Records/Hegri Music—SPIT028 Availability:Wide in U.K. Ecto priority:Highly recommended for folk fans Group members:Karine Polwart—vocals, acoustic guitar Guest artists:The Karine Polwart Band: Produced by:Mattie Foulds Comments:Wow, Karine Polwart's voice just gets better and better. Some of this is a little too country-tinged for me, but I love tracks like the first, "Hole in the Heart", which is just so gorgeous. "Where The Smoke Blows" has a funky sound, and "Holy Moses" has particularly interesting, clever lyrics. "Baleerie Baloo" is a hauntingly beautiful song about a Scottish woman in Hungary who was transported to Auschwitz for crimes that included crying while sewing Stars of David on children's clothing. I'm also particularly taken by "Terminal Star". Intelligent lyrics, such a terrific voice, and so highly recommended for folk fans. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com) Fairest Floo'erRelease info:2007—Hegri Music—HEGRICD03 Availability:Wide in U.K. Ecto priority:Highly recommended for fans of traditional folk Group members:Karine Polwart—vocals, acoustic guitar, shruti box, percussion Guest artists:Steven Polwart—acoustic guitar, banjo, ebow Produced by:Mattie Foulds and Karine Polwart Comments:I'm not a fan of the kind of contemporary folk Karine Polwart usually does in her solo career, but I loved her work with Malinky, so I took a chance on this one. I'm really glad I did, as I love this album. It's a gorgeous collection of traditional songs. The production is simple, so the focus is on Karine Polwart's powerfully evocative voice—it will break your heart with these ballads. Lovely, lovely stuff. (Neile) This Earthly SpellRelease info:2008—Hegri Music—HEGRICD04 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Karine Polwart—vocals, acoustic guitar, tenor guitar, shruti box Guest artists:Mattie Foulds—drums, percussion Produced by:Mattie Foulds, Calum Malcolm Comments:The new one of original material is good as well. I'd been disappointed by her second solo CD (just not as good as the first one, which was amazing and won a number of well-earned BBC Folk awards), but I think she's returning to form. (Silme@ix.netcom.com) TracesRelease info:2012—W2 Music—W2BCD9902 Availability:Wide Ecto priority:Highly recommended Group members:Karine Polwart—acoustic & tenor guitar, Indian harmonium, shruti-box, percussion, vocals Guest artists:Steven Polwart—acoustic & electric guitars, vocals Produced by:Iain Cook Comments:I'm growing so fond of Karine Polwart, and this beautiful album is another reason why. The music is gentle but can also be intense, and the songs bring the stories of different people and their worlds to life. (JoAnn Whetsell) Further info:DVD, Here's Where Tomorrow Starts (2011). Thanks to JoAnn Whetsell for work on this entry.
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