However,
let us not race too ahead of ourselves, especially as Ruth Notman has been away
from the recording scene for an extended period following a decision to pursue
a medical career instead of singing professionally. Whatever her motives, the
input given this album signals a timely return and plenty will welcome this
renaissance. There is a vague recollection of seeing her play at the Big
Sessions in Leicester over a decade ago, in the days where she emerged as a
prodigious talent. A notion backed up by listening to her golden vocals shine brightly
on this record.
In contrast, Sam Kelly has been a permanent feature of the
folk scene for a number of years, cropping up in numerous formats, projects and
recording outlets. Often his
work has veered into the world of traditional song, to the extent that the 2017
album he recorded with his band The Lost Boys entirely lent in this direction.
Therefore, it is of little surprise that material from these sources features
prominently on the new record, although away from the bigger picture you are
able to chunk the content into smaller compact packages.
It would be
wrong to start any mini in-depth analysis of this album away from the two
original pieces. The title track, ‘Changeable
Heart’, co-written by Ruth and Sam, stands out as the record’s beacon, and
sparkles as a good a standard duet as you are likely to hear in recent times.
Adopting specific roles and perspectives, both voices merge from two into one
to make this a worthy standout. The other original is one credited solely to
Ruth, and ‘As You Find Your Way Home’
sees her vocals take full control.
At the back
end of a record that succinctly does its job across thirty-seven minutes, there
are two cover songs getting a modern makeover to reinforce the magnitude of
their message. ‘School Days Over’ by
folk legend Ewan MacColl is an evocative coming of age piece, with Ruth and Sam
doing it justice on this record. Likewise, a version of Paul Brady’s ‘The Island’ freshens up the impact of a
song that retains relevance even if locations change.
The
remainder of this album rests on the work of that prolific writing credit, ‘traditional’.
The two that strike a chord most here are the Ruth-led ‘Caw the Yowes’ and Sam vocally excelling on ‘Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill’. Closely following these include album
opener ‘Bold Fisherman’ and
mid-placed ‘My Lagan Love’, both
finding their feet within the mood and tone of the record. While there will no
doubt be many folklorists dissecting the versions curated, put in context of
the Notman-Kelly arrangements few faults are found here, even if themes and
styles of ‘The Cunning Cobbler’ and ‘Young Brian of the Sussex Wold’ do not
really court much appeal in my listening sphere.
At the helm
of this project is respected musician Damian O’Kane, widely known for his work
with wife Kate Rusby. Inviting Ruth Notman and Sam Kelly into the realm of
their operation has proved an astute decision, further sealed by the stature of
CHANGEABLE HEART. Indisputably, an album that furthers careers regardless of their
existing starting points, and one set to create a stir in the folk community as
a minimum.
www.ruthnotman.co.uk