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The British release of Underneath the Stars came a few months before the its appearnace in the U.S. I couldn't wait. I bought my copy from Amazon UK. I was not disappointed.

While all of Kate's CDs are great (there is not a weak one in the batch), Underneath the Stars is, in my opinion, her best album so far. It is filled with great songs, one of which has become one of my favorite songs.

Kate is a master of writing great tunes and arrangements for traditional songs. She is at the top of her form here. Two tunes in particular--"The Goodman" and "Let Me Be"--stand out. They both are rather humorous songs. Both feature first rate instrumentation and singing.

Kate compliments (and I would say ultimately transcends) the traditional songs on the disc with great songs of her own. "Falling" and "Underneath the Stars" are the best songs on the disc. The title track is a work of sheer beauty that I defy the listener not to fall in love with.

It has become my favorite song.

I cannot recommend this album enough. Quit reading these reviews. You are wasting time better spent listening. Get a copy of Underneath the Stars today. I give it my highest recommendation.


Beauty, thy name is Rusby   February 9, 2004
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I've come across several criticisms of Kate Rusby's latest release "Underneath the Stars" where the complaint is lodged that the album sounds too much like her previous recordings and she might consider recording with a different producer and some different musicians. There may be some validity to this complaint, however personally I just can't get enough of this brilliant group of musicians Kate has brought together again for this album.

All of "the boys" are back: John McCusker, Andy Cutting, Michael McGoldrick, Ewan Vernal, and in particular Ian Carr. Ian is on board for 11 of the albums 12 tracks, again contributing his wonderfully oddball guitar arrangements and creating lush, vibrant soundscapes for Kate to sing over. His and Cutting's intro to "Cruel" will break your heart even before Kate enters with her achingly beautiful vocal.

The arranging throughout the album continues the gold standard this group has established on Kate's previous recordings. John McCusker brings his cittern playing to the forefront and even adds a little mandolin, creating some hypnotic moments as his and Carr's string playing weave in and out of each other.

Kate's vocals continue too defy you to come up with adjectives to describe her bittersweet voice. In the song "Young James", Eddi Reader contributes another pristine moment reminiscent of her harmony vocals with Kate on "Withered and Died". You can almost feel yourself lifting off the ground as Eddi and Kate's voices join together for the final verse of the song.

Amongst all the exquisite vocal and instrumental performances on the album, you might almost overlook the fine songwriter Kate is becoming. Her song "Falling" is the highlight of the recording, a heartfelt love song which will either fill you with undying love for your partner or leave you bereft and crying into your beer, depending on your perspective.


New Fan   May 1, 2005
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I must admit I didn't even know who Kate Rusby was when I bought this CD. I was in my usual CD store, looking around for something new and different, and I wandered over to the folk/celtic section almost absentmindedly. I came upon cds by someone named Kate Rusby, and in the mood to give something different a try, came away with Underneath the Stars.
Am I ever glad I did! This is one beautiful album, and she has one gorgeous voice. I have bought a few folk albums before, mainly Lindesfarne and Fairport Convention, but never a solo album, especially by someone with whom I was not familiar.
LET ME BE, CRUEL, and SWEET WILLIAM'S GHOST grabbed me by the soul and would not let go.I will buy the other cds as soon as possible and hope that they are as good as this one. I should try wandering aimlessly around the CD store (or Amazon) more often.


Kate Rusby can take you to your "happy place"   April 2, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

If you are not familiar with Kate Rusby, do yourself a favor and purchase this CD...or get it for a loved one. Kate has one of the most beautiful voices on the planet, and she is joined by tasteful and creative accoustic musicians. Each arrangement is unique and enjoyable, and there is a continuity of flow and emotion. I like a CD that does not jump around in mood and ambience; you can settle into this one and enjoy the variety of finesse, without being rudly jolted into another space. The lyrics tell interesting tales from another time. I love the harmony singing on "Cruel"; I would have preferred more vocal harmonies, but Kate's voice is so pure and fulfilling and the instrumentation is so interesting that the sound is still delightful.
I love giving Kate Rusby's music to friends...what a privalege to share such a gift...what a discovery for people who are primarily exposed to commercial "pop" music.
"Underneath the Stars" is one of my favorite Kate Rusby CDs, and I have enjoyed them all immensely!


Folk at its best   June 20, 2004
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Rarely can one find a CD where they like ALL of the songs. I'm pretty new to the folk music world, but Kate's music is a delightful blend of upbeat melodies and whimsical storytelling. I have bought several of her CDs and now consider her my favorite musician. I plan on traveling to England this year to see one of her shows. Her beautiful voice and Welsh accent combine for the lovliest songs I've ever heard. Please tour in the U.S., Kate! You have many fans here.