Somerset folk singer-songwriter Kitty Macfarlane’s debut album came out in 2018 and I saw her brilliant solo gig supporting RURA in Celtic Connections 2020 but only now did I listen to the album, Namer of Clouds.
And hear me: it’s a stunning achievement, especially as it was her first solo outing. Great tunes, wonderful lyrics (often about the sea or using the aquatic world as a metaphor), very thought-out, detailed and intricate arrangements – and Kitty’s voice bringing it all to life.
I noticed someone comparing this album to early Joni Mitchell but I don’t hear Joni’s jazz inflections and beat poetry here. Instead, I was sometimes reminded of Karine Polwart and I can easily imagine Kitty Macfarlane expanding her expressive and creative arsenal, already powerful, as much as Karine has done – but of course in her own way.
I dearly wish for a follow-up to Namer of Clouds and I promise to listen to it right away when it’s released!
*****
Namer of Clouds is avaible on streaming platforms but please consider buying it (cd or digital) on Kitty’s website: https://www.kittymacfarlane.com/shop
FolkNotes 