Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman - Hidden People (2012)

"HIDDEN PEOPLE" is an apt title for this long-anticipated debut CD from husband-and-wife duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman. They have been lynchpins of the UK's burgeoning folk-acoustic revival over the last two decades - but a case, perhaps, of "always the bridesmaid and never the bride." Now, at last, it's their turn to burst out from the shadows of their siblings and former musical partners to make a big noise in their own right. This bold and superbly - crafted album includes eight self-penned songs, one traditional arrangement and a poignant cover version. With Kathryn's sublime voice and effortless delivery, Sean's masterly guitar arrangements and the sonic quality of the production this CD, this is one the most eagerly awaited modern folk albums of the year. Kathryn's vocals - lush, sultry and faultless - are the signature of the album. She has an extraordinary range, from husky to soaring. She also provides all the piano, keyboards, flute and woodwind. Sean contributes six-string guitar, mandolin, bass guitar, bouzouki and of all things "wooden ruler bass." The sonic quality of this CD is testimony to Sean's impressive production and recording skills and demonstrates why other folk artists and bands like the Levellers have beaten a path to his door to employ his services as a producer. The tracks on "Hidden People" range from Kathryn's haunting lead vocals, to rousing a cappella harmony, mellow and heart-rending piano ballads, foot-tapping rockabilly beats, tunes with a world-music tinge and full-on folk-rock. Yet the core of the album is good old-fashioned story-telling. "These are stories, first and foremost," says Kathryn, but she warns, "My home-life is so 'roses round the cottage door', that I tend to prefer music with an edginess, so some of the tracks on the album are quite dark and brooding, to say the least." The messages and meanings behind these songs belong to the "Hidden People."