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Kate Evans - Release (Kate Evans 2000)

By Elizabeth Nitz

She is part classical, part jazz, part folk, and all original. Her punchy lyrics have the spirit of Dar Williams and the wit of Ani DiFranco at times, as she sings, "The bird breathes, the air is fine. He limps on one leg but he lives in a gold mine," in "The Gold Around You."

The theme is predominantly lost love but she also tackles politics and the environment. "Francis of the Landfill" is a pretty, poignant song where she points out that, "nothing's forever except god and a styrofoam cup." She experiments with vocal techniques including some percussive acapella sounds on the fast-moving "Blind."

Kate wanders back and forth between slow, sweet ballads imparting just her voice and the piano, and more driving, layered songs. "Me as an Amputee" is a perfect sad, passionate ballad. Contrast this with "Would You Mind?" which is a catchy, light-hearted jazz number about lust. She croons, "My leg wasn't touching yours at that movie 'cause I didn't have enough room."

She ends with "Dangerous Woman," an empowered song where she asserts her independence at last. Marty Beller drives the song with his drum work and Marc Schmied integrates a bass line. This song is a fitting end to a well-produced, fun album.

For more information please see www.kateweb.com