Kathryn Williams – Dog Leap Stairs (1999)

Kathryn Williams' debut album was recorded for £80 and no one noticed it. The following album, Little Black Numbers was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, and brought her work to the attention of many people, including myself.

I've since picked up a few of her albums, including this one, as I've seen them reasonably priced second hand, and not listened enough.

Given the minimal outlay on recording, it will be no surprise that the music here is uncomplicated, simply produced and intimate. There are ten short songs, with acoustic accompaniment, everyone of them absolutely gorgeous. Williams' voice carries each song gently and warmly along, even when themes of betrayal and heartbreak are to the fore. If there aren't many songs that you come away humming round your head, the overall effect is enveloping and soothing.

Comparisons with Nick Drake, while lazy, are inevitable but I'd suggest that her songs are more consistent, although possibly without the massive stand outs on this particular album.

But some songs do stand out, starting with opener Leazes Park, gentle with a subtle cello accompaniment alongside the guitar (and the squeaking strings, which add rather than distract), What Am I Doing Here with some fine harmonies, and he darker No One Is To Blame detailing a betrayal. Something Like That, perhaps my favourite, is a piece of minimal beauty. Concluding the album, Fade, is probably the most orthodox song, with a band arrangement, and it's lovely, as is the final song, Madmen And Maniacs, just Williams and piano recorded live, a beautiful end.

I'll happily admit that Kathryn Williams hailing from Liverpool (although Newcastle is now lucky enough to be her home) drew my attention at first, but the quality and delivery of the songs has held it. I'd strongly recommend this.

Link to album tracks

4* - a stunning debut from one of the country's most under-rated singer songwriters