Drawing from each of Kate's acclaimed solo albums, this DVD features the 19-song concert as the perfect introduction to her wondrous catalog, with addition of her trademark surreal, witty between-song patter. Also included are 3 interviews, 3 songs from

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A beautiful thing. The musicians are amazing. John McCusker must be some sort of genius. They all played so tightly with each other and Kate, I was reminded of the Chieftains. Let's wish these younger folks will have such an honored history to come.

Kate herself is sweet and a charmer. Quite an irresistable smile. She seemed a wee bit shy at times. Might be my imagination. Like Alison Krauss showed in her LIVE concert dvd, Kate has a nice sense of humor and likes to tease. I thought she sang beautifully throughout--particularly so in CANAAN'S LAND, WITHERED AND DIED and UNDERNEATH THE STARS. How could anyone in that lovely Leeds theatre be dry-eyed during that last song with the lights swirling star-like around? Kate also reminds me in an odd way of Kasey Chambers--her youth, her maturity, her love of traditional music and yet her independence in her musical vision. Quite two wonderful women.

Technically, the dvd was great. The concert was filmed simply and beautifully--must be digital video. I thought for a minute someone had snuck in a high-definition television when I saw the quality of the picture. Great coverage of the amazing musicians and good roving of the heterogeneous audience (old and very young--a great mix).

An essential for all fans of the great Kate and for anyone who loves traditional music and great women vocalists. And not to mention a wealth of fascinating bonus material on the dvd.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:

Dead gorgeousAug 05, 2004
By Lilting Banshee
What's not to like about this DVD? You'll feel better after watching it: there's warmth, good humor, great talent, and a commitment to the music. The concert is the centerpiece with Kate's beautiful singing complemented by a great band, including John McCusker on fiddle and 27 other instruments. Kate's song introductions are informative and charming and funny. The production values on the DVD are perfect: you get to see all of the musicians from every angle, even from the back. The cameras move slowly and even look at the audience so you get a good feel for the venue and where the band fits into it all. The sound is fine, the musicianship stellar, and everyone looks to be having a good time of it. Beyond the concert the DVD provides Kate singing in various informal settings: a living room, a pub (hey! there's Phil Cunningham at the table playing accordion) with assorted folks joining her. And there are interviews, too! This DVD is a perfect way to add depth to your appreciation of Kate Rusby's music or a fine way to introduce her to your friends.

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:

A pure, perfect concert videoSep 08, 2004
By DJ Joe Sixpack
A must-have for all Kate Rusby fans. This beautifully-produced concert video is a pure winner, showcasing Rusby and her band at their best, before an adoring, appreciative English audience. Several things are worth pointing out: first, what a delight to see how friendly and down-to-earth she is, and what a fine performer. Authoritative, yet not stuffy or standoffish in any way, she presents these old trad ballads in a way that makes them seem like the most immediate and compelling of contemporary art... And, of course, the music is simply stunning -- the band plays sweet, but keeps things simple; it's warm and modern without muddling down in crossover pretensions, it's just simply lovely, lovely acoustic music. Finally, there's the experience of seeing Rusby sing: is it possible such a perfect sound is coming out of that everyday-looking lass before you? Guess so. Now I'll have to redouble my efforts to see her when she plays live at a venue near me... I know it'll be a night to remember!

4 of 5 found the following review helpful:

Unqualified RecommendationSep 29, 2005
By Steve D. Heckenlively
God knows I've had my complaints about some of her CDs,

but they don't apply here, because if you are like me,

among the ~90% of her fans who will never see her live,

this DVD is your only extant chance to see, as well as hear.

To put it another way, the very first time I tried to

watch this, I had to pace myself out across about 4 nights,

and when the DVD was over, my first thought was "She ought

to make a concert DVD for every studio CD she makes.

Isn't that wild?

If you wish to know what opened my eyes most, it was 2

odd-angled camera shots of Johnny (may I call him that?).

Watch the DVD, see what I saw (twice), and you too will

learn a bit about where the staggering emotional depth

of her best work comes from. Life is too fragile for words,

and faith is too strong for words. Poor, poor words!

Better to sing, those who may.

I bought "Leeds" with "Underneath the Stars", then bought

"The Girl Who Couldn't Fly" a few days later. That last

disc is still in its wrapper, and it will stay there until

I am sure I have my received all I am able to from "Leeds"

and "Stars".

Kate Rusby is like a great secret that you wish you could

tell to the whole world, except the telling is nothing,

and the songs can be dodged and eluded by those who do not

seek; yet those who do seek (I am speaking of meaning and

expression), find, within her songs. This is marvellous to me.

All the more so because she neither wants nor has a monopoly

on the delight of her audience. So, enjoy, but branch out, too.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Quality Performance--next best thing to being there.Dec 28, 2010
By Ronnie P. Guimond "Gnostic"
I have recently caught on with Kate Rusby's brand of folk music and seeing her in this concert appearance gave me a greater appreciation of her music. I may never get the opportunity to see her perform live unless fortune permits me to travel to England, so the next best thing was this DVD.

The DVD itself is put together well, containing not only the concert performance but other "studio" renditions of a few more songs by Kate. The quality of it all is very good. The viewing experience watching it on HD TV with the associated surround sound all adds to a very pleasurable viewing and listening experience.

Another benefit here too is you get to see Kate with her full band. I have seen Moya Brennan and Altan perform here in northern Virginia with a minimum "core" band composition and it can limit how the music is played and even which songs can be played. I have been told that many Celtic groups from overseas are limited in their tours by cost and sometimes having proper Visas for all band members.

If you like Kate Rusby, you'll like her even more on this DVD.

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