I have just discovered Katy Carr and bought this her latest CD.
It is wonderful music – folk music based on events in Polish History – mostly around WW2 – sung in Polish & English (She has a Polish mother) Some songs are more in English – others more in Polish.
The booklet that comes with the CD for me is a MUST – it has wonderful illustrations and the lyrics are given in both languages irrespective of which one is sung.
I am Polish and just love these songs – Wojtek – is one of my favourites – about the Soldier Bear from the Polish II Corps – it is a song about longing to go back home.
But you do not need to understand the Polish to enjoy this music – her voice is wonderful – I have been listening to this CD again and again since I bought it – it is wonderful

I bought this for my brother having heard Katy Carr interviewed on R4’s Front Row. She is an original talent and this CD has a moving collection of songs.

A friend sent me this fantastic album alongside a sympathy card on the death of my Polish father just two months ago. He was a veteran of the Polish Navy and a teenage survivor of Stalin’s political labour camps. My friend said I would understand the connection and boy was she right. One of the most original and compelling albums I’ve come across in years; and such courage in 2012 to write an album of songs about WW2 in supposedly far-off Poland. Katy’s voice is deeply expressive and of a rich rare quality, the lyrics are intelligent and challenging, and the music awesome. It combines a remarkable array of musical roots and hybrid styles so that it is hard to classify as central European pre-war, British folk influenced, indie, classical or jazz. Which is all to the good as labels and classifications just serve to get in the way of what actually matters; that this is a stunning album that gives you faith in original and daring musical talent. If you’ve read this review it means you are at least part-way influenced. Dive in and buy it. You’ll be grateful for years that you did.
Martin Stepek
Author
For There is Hope
“Astonishing. A monument, a meditation, a prayer and an epic. Tender and impassioned… this should be on every table where Poland is discussed and where the brave dead are remembered.” Neal Ascherson, award-winning author of The Struggles for Poland

Unusual; its full appreciation can only be completed after reading its inspirational historic content summarised in the booklet included with the disk. Serious music lovers should appreciate it.

I really liked this recording because of beautiful music and voice. I łike powerful singing and creative performance. Overall, very moving experience.

A marvelous record. If (like me) you don’t speak a word of Polish don’t be put off for one moment. Carr’s beautiful singing and striking narrative voice are so engrossing that after a while you stop noticing as she flits from English to Polish and back, between and sometimes within, tracks.
Every song tells its own distinctive story, and the beautifully illustrated booklet helps tie the whole thing together like the best of short story anthologies.

What a moving and interesting album, and what a great listen it is too. Katy has an amazing voice and the stories through her songs are fascinating. Lovely production too.

amazing, great, moving album, with great music, fntastic voice of Katy. Great story to it as well. The best spent 10 pounds in my entire life:)

Anyone who likes folk music will love this album with wonderful touching songs about Poland during the war years but the vocals themselves are so wonderful and expressive (some of the best I have ever heard). Each song is complimented with great musical and in some cases vocal backing. A real joy to the ears – Probably one of the best folk albums you will hear all year – Now I must explore her previous releases.

diablement 01 lutego 2013

Płyta bardzo interesująca. Zawiera własne kompozycje (Kommander’s car, Wojtek, Mała, little flower), jak i znane utwory utrwalone w polskiej tradycji (O mój rozmarynie, Dziś do Ciebie przyjść nie mogę). Piękna muzyka, niebanalny głos oraz odważne, bo niepopularne nawiązanie do polskiej historii z okresu II wojny światowej. Polecam!! Od wczoraj słucham bez przerwy! :-))
Piosenka “Kommander’s car” dała mi okazję do zapoznania się z niezwykłą historią ucieczki z Auschwitz Kazimierza Piechowskiego (film “Uciekinier” na youtube.com).