The first thing that caught my attention on Kate Long's new CD bigollady was her interesting voice -- a deep, rich force making its way from my speakers. However, there's here plenty to enjoy beyond her voice.

The CD opens with "Forget Barbry Allen," Long's response to the traditional ballad which examines an alternative perspective of William-O and his lost love. Long then plunges right into a spoken word/percussive message on racism, entitled "Strange, Ain't It." From there, the style shifts again, to a humorous ditty with swing rhythms about what cats really think.

"Right With You" and "When I Meet You in Heaven (I'm Gonna Give You Hell)" showcase not only Long's biting wit but also feature lovely harmony vocals and strong guitar work. Long's true love is Appalachian traditional music. Her voice definitely packs a twang, but it's pleasantly effective, especially combined with the accordions and Bible imagery on "Revelations Roll" or jaw harp and autoharp on "Root Hog." Much of Long's work carries vivid, sometimes quirky observations about her home in West Virginia, where she teaches songwriting at the Augusta Heritage Center.

Long has assembled a stellar cast of accompanying musicians on this third CD, too. Kiya Heartwood adds her guitar playing and harmony vocals on "Oh, How I Meant to Love You" -- another beautiful ballad with traditional elements -- and "Plain English?," an amusing soft-rock tune about some people who feel the need to complicate their conversations with complex syntax. "Here Every Day (Where Did You Go?)" features West Virginia fiddle champion Jennie Allinder, and Bill Dingus on piano. Former national flatpick champion Robert Shafer adds his voice and guitar talents to "Hello Houston."

"Lift Up" is an intricate, amazing a capella round, using words from Psalms 121, written for Long's West Virginia Mountains. "Corinthians" is another Biblical adaptation. But the standout on this CD is the eloquent, haunting, and extremely moving a capella ballad, "McNamara's Tear," Long's own personal rembrances of Vietnam. Long's songwriting ability shines on this song; it was awarded Best Ballad at the 2000 South Florida Folk Festival, an award the song definitely deserves.

For those of you who are fans of traditional music, pick up a copy of Kate Long's bigollady. The songs are true to form and expertly executed, making for a truly enjoyable listening experience.

[ by Audrey M. Clark ]