Little Lights
Kate Rusby's fragile, haunting voice is only the first reason  among equals that makesLittle Lightssuch an unmitigated  delight. Just as wondrous are her delicate acoustic arrangements of  traditional tunes, the sensitive musicianship of her collaborators  (notably guitarists Ian Carr and John Doyle, and the refined backing  vocals ofEddi Reader), and,  last but definitely not least, her burgeoning songwriting skills. There  are more Rusby originals here than on her previous two solo albums,  with the catchy story-songs "I Courted a Sailor" and "William and Davy"  proving standout items. That is until the extraordinary climax of the  album with "My Young Man"--a deeply personal song about Rusby's own  grandparents--in which her molasses-rich voice is accompanied by a  heavenly brass choir. Elsewhere, an achingly mournful cover ofRichard Thompson's "Withered and Died" once again demonstrates Rusby's subtle magic with  other people's material. (As a bonus track, the Rusby clan gets  together for an impromptu family rendition of "The Big Ship Sails.")  Anyone charmed by Rusby's Mercury Award-nominatedSleeplessor her  mature debutHourglassneed not  hesitate. Those yet to discover one of the finest voices in British  folk should rush to acquire all three.--Mark Walker