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KIRSTY POTTS - The Seeds Of Life

KIRSTY POTTS - The Seeds Of Life
Private Label KP227

Steeped in traditional Scots music, Kirsty Potts brings a wealth of experience to her debut album, acknowledging the influences of such singers as Willie Scott, Jeanie Robertson and Lizzie Higgins.

Recorded in various parts of Scotland, with Mattie Faulds at the helm, The Seeds Of Life consists of 17 tracks, 14 of which are songs; nine of these are traditional, including versions of Binnorie (The Two Sisters) and College Boy. Perhaps the title track showcases Kirsty’s rich earthy vocals to best effect. The others include the fisher hymn, Will Your Anchor Hold, Pete Seeger’s If I Had A Hammer, and the jaunty Betsy Belle from Belle Stewart. A further intriguing inclusion is Pulling Hard Against The Stream by the nineteenth century music hall artiste, Harry Clifton. Kirsty contributes one solo composition, filled with energy and innovation, Scotland’s Peace Train. The remaining three tracks consist of recordings of sounds from space (Professor Wanda Diaz-Merced is credited for these)!

Alongside the traditional Scots repertoire, there are also hints of blues and jazz, in an eclectic mix of styles. Alison McMorland – Kirsty’s mother – adds delightful banjo accompaniment at various points, for instance on Now More Than Ever, also contributing to fine harmonies, like on the calypso-like Woe Is Me. A booklet is included with the package, providing song notes but no lyrics.

To Kirsty’s credit, The Seeds Of Life blends a variety of styles in a creative fusion with the concept of traditional song. Such innovation keeps the songs alive.

Jim McCourt


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This album was reviewed in Issue 114 of The Living Tradition magazine.