Kate Rusby
What is there to say about Kate Rusby that hasn't already been said? Without a doubt she is one of the best performers of English folk song on the circuit today.
She's played Cambridge in many different guises, solo performer, duo, with her own band, with her hubbie's band, as part of the Poozies and guest slots. Through it all the consistent factor has been the quality.
It's been interesting to watch her move from shy young thing into an accomplished, self assured woman. In the early days there was little eye contact with the audience, now that and the between song banter make up an essential element of the performance.
Kate has a very good sense of a song. Her accent gives the whole experience a down to earth feel. You get the feeling it helps to make the whole thing better. The audience is like a small boy that's skinned his knee and Kate's there waiting with the sticky plaster.
What more can you say except, enjoy it.
POST FESTIVAL VERDICT
The easiest way to sum things up is with this: The queue for the Mojo Signing Tent for Kate's albums shattered the previous record held by the Waifs. It ran beyond the Pimms tent at one stage and was literally hours long. Two sets and an album launch it was an incredible weekend for Kate and her fans. She gave the queue wine, they gave her Jaffa Cakes. Kate is a festival favourite for a good reason and that reason is quality.