Hourglass is the highly acclaimed debut solo studio album by the celebrated English contemporary folk singer-songwriter Kate Rusby, originally released in 1997 through her family's independent label, Pure Records. Following her formative departures from notable folk ensembles like Equation and The Poozies, this milestone recording instantly established her as a defining luminary of the modern British folk revival movement. The album features a masterful blend of traditional Yorkshire ballads, maritime lore, and profoundly moving original compositions, all centered around Rusby's distinctively pure, unadorned, and emotionally resonant vocal delivery. Produced and arranged in close collaboration with renowned Scottish musician John McCusker, the sonic architecture avoids over-embellished production, opting instead for an intimate, live acoustic soundstage that highlights meticulous instrumentations. Rich layers of diatonic accordion, whistle, double bass, fiddle, and acoustic guitars delicately weave throughout the arrangements to offer a comforting yet haunting depth. Universally lauded by acoustic music enthusiasts for its fragile beauty, rhythmic nuance, and preservation of roots music, this foundational release stands as an essential masterpiece of modern Celtic and British folk heritage.

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.