A Crash Course In Roses

CATIE CURTIS’ music draws from a variety of sources, but the tag of “folk/pop” will suffice. Observational in tone, her songs deal with the uncertainty of life’s path.

The backing is subtle, unobtrusive and sympathetic, while the production is clean and effective, with Ben Wisen handling that role, as well as recording and mixing duties.

The assembled band also deserve acclaim, not least guitarist Duke Levine, who more recently has worked with Mary Chapin Carpenter. The great lady herself puts in an appearance here, on an album where the material isn’t dissimilar to her own. Kenny White’s keyboards, meanwhile, add texture and depth to the sparse musical settings.

‘Roses’ is a particularly effective song with cello, bass pedals and djembe adding to the song’s sense of loss. ‘Stay Up All Night’ asks that her companion would remain with her while observing that “you’re putting on your jacket to go/But you’re putting on your jacket pretty slow”. This line – piquant, well-observed and tender – typifies the whole album.

A Crash Course In Roses is an album worth a listen, and it marks Catie Curtis out as one to watch.