Kathryn Williams, Carol Ann Duffy - Midnight Chorus (2021)

Kathryn Williams, the Mercury-nominated, folk inspired singer-songwriter, has added to her impressive list of previous collaborators this Christmas by teaming up with celebrated poet Carol Ann Duffy.

Midnight Chorus marks the meeting of two of our most gifted writers, ruminating on a season with obvious affection and a joyous, honest tenderness which never shies away from the darkness beyond the light. From uplifting festive celebrations ‘Hang Fire’, ‘Hidden Meanings’ and previous single ‘Snow Angel’, (a wholesome, nostalgic piece that paints a wonderful picture of a small-town family home in the lead-up to Christmas Day) through to the more tender ‘Christmas Moon’ and ‘Mary’s Cariad’, it’s pointedly, made up of twelve emotive tales with beautifully heart-warming, classic instrumentation, dexterous musicality and layered harmonies.

Lead single 'Midnight Chorus' begins with gentle strings and delicate keys, landing and gradually building like the first snowflakes of winter, and grows into a grandiose pop ballad. There are key nods to looking back to simpler times, a focus on family and taking stock of difficult times as well as the good things. ‘Dear Lord’ describes a simple wish to meet a hero (Dolly Parton) at a time of sadness and isolation. At times, a giddy excitement shines through, both in their opportunity to work together and in the material that comes from it, a warmth and truthfulness for a most wonderful, sometimes heart-breaking, time of year.

Kathryn Williams and Carol Ann Duffy first met whilst performing at the Niddfest Festival in 2016. Long-time admirers of each other’s songwriting and lyrics, they became fast friends. Writing at first in a small hut at Moniack Mhor (Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre) and then from their homes, they both had input into each other’s words and music. These tracks are true, equal collaborations and reflect their ease and delight in composing together.