A recurring
theme on the evening was Ruth’s medical career exploits; the main reason she
has been absent from the music scene for a considerable period. A complimentary
audience quip remarking on her multi talents sprang out as she eased from piano
to guitar to accordion, all accomplished to supplement a vocal style that
blends a touch of classical folk with an East Midlands brogue. In contrast, Sam
concentrated on his pair of guitars alongside fronting the duo from the
perspective of promoting and presenting the fruits of their collaboration.
From a
standard format of a pair of forty-five minute sets, the duo covered numerous
folk bases including shanties, bawdy traditional numbers and originals ordained
with a touch of splendour.
On the latter front, it was clear that Ruth is more of a lyricist, as opposed
to Sam erring more on the arrangement side of reviving old tunes. This is born
out on their previous work and carried through to the new album. The standout song
on it, the title track ‘Changeable Heart’,
had a co-write credit, although it was introduced as starting life in Ruth’s
locker. Its eventual leaning in a pop direction remains alone, both on the
album and what else the pair delivered during this show, but a distinguished
charm is retained and it stood up as well live as flourishing on the record.
‘Bold Fisherman’ and ‘Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill’ could be
classed as best of the rest in what came over live. Although, the reproduction
of ‘School Days’ and ‘The Island’ in the last two slots of
both the album and the pre-encore set list stacked up well, with the former
getting a haunting rendition from Ruth as she linked her Mansfield roots to
this Ewan McColl mining ‘coming of age’ piece.
Of the five
set list songs not on the album, delving into Ruth’s back catalogue formed the
majority, but a rousing rendition of ‘Billy
O’Shea’ mostly lifted the spirits. A song last heard on a Birmingham stage
when conducted by John Doyle at the recent McCusker, McGoldrick and Doyle show.
Whether the
collaboration between Ruth Notman and Sam Kelly settles as a one off, the
success in terms of acclaim and appeal is rewarding the investment and faith
built into it. Not least, the backing the pair had from Kate Rusby and Damien O’Kane.
The audience, the artists and the ambience aligned perfectly once again at the
Kitchen Garden and an engaging display of talent ensured the planned evening
was expertly executed.
Review of Changeable Heart
