Kate Rusby & Kathryn Roberts - Kate Rusby & Kathryn Roberts (1995)

The self-titled collaborative debut from Kate Rusby and Kathryn Roberts stands as a landmark release within the late-twentieth-century British traditional folk revival, signaling the arrival of two of the genre's most exceptional contemporary vocalists. Released in 1995 on Pure Records, this beautifully understated collection showcases the profound musical synergy and jaw-dropping vocal chemistry between the two young South Yorkshire musicians. Rooted primarily in stripped-back acoustic arrangements, the album relies on their intertwined harmonies, delicate guitar work, and Rusby's expressive piano accompaniment to breathe vibrant new life into time-honored traditional ballads and select contemporary pieces. From the haunting historical storytelling of Recruited Collier and Plains Of Waterloo to a stunning, emotionally charged interpretation of Suzanne Vega's The Queen And The Soldier, the record maintains an atmosphere of absolute intimacy and emotional purity. Winning widespread critical acclaim and significantly helping to launch their respective celebrated solo careers, this collaborative effort remains an essential, deeply influential masterpiece of modern acoustic folk.