KYLE CAREY
The Last Bough
Philippe Cousin
Yet another American singer: meet Kyle Carey. Born in New Hampshire, she was drawn to Scottish music – and Gaelic singing in particular – from a very early age. So much so that, whilst at university, she studied traditional Scottish Gaelic singing and music in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
She then went on to take courses on the Isle of Skye, which led to her obtaining a certificate in Scottish Gaelic language and music. In 2011, she recorded her debut album in Dingle, Ireland – a blend of Celtic music, Appalachian folk and literary elements – which would become her trademark style: ‘Gaelic Americana’. Following two further albums in 2014 and 2018, she now presents her fourth album, 'The Last Bough', recorded in Nashville and featuring musicians such as Mike McGoldrick (flute and whistle), Kai Welsh (piano and accordion) Anthony Dacosta (guitar), Christian Sedelmeyer (fiddle), Ruth Moody (bodhrán) and the Scottish singer James Graham.
This album, for which Kyle wrote six of the ten tracks, explores deeply personal themes such as the challenges of motherhood and the meaning of life for a woman and a mother. Yet her original songs are not characterised by complaints or lamentations. And Kyle’s work has a distinctly traditional sound. The result is a refreshing and invigorating energy.
‘The Last Bough’, which opens the album, is tinged with melancholy. Kyle’s voice on the track ‘Latha Bha An Ridire Ag Òl’ is reminiscent of Karen Matheson and the songs of Puirt-à-Beul. There is also the superb Cape Breton melody ‘Nach Muladach, Muladach Duine Leis Fhèin’, or ‘Bà I Ù O Hò’, a charming lullaby-like song on which Kyle’s ethereal voice works wonders. More original is ‘Via Del Campo’, written in Italian, the language of her husband’s homeland.
Here is a talented singer well worth discovering, as she does not perform in Europe.
Americelta ACR 106 - www.kylecarey.com