Search - Kathy Hussey :: If Wishes Were Horses

Earbuzz.com review of "If Wishes Were Horses"

Kathy Hussey | US | 01/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sweet and sumptuous guitar playing, personal lyrics that touch your heart with their candor and playfulness, and a voice that soothes is in store for collectors of Kathy Hussey's latest CD, "If Wishes Were Horses". This is not really country music, no twang, only a natural voice, bare folk accompaniment with deep bass, occasional violin, jazz guitars, and a perfectly recorded acoustic guitar. In Kathy's title track, "If Wishes Were Horses", the gently moving song showcases Hussey's songwriting talent and subtle ability to deliver her lyrics like a heart surgeon, painlessly entering your emotions with the heart of an artist. She writes, 'out in the back yard in my little kingdom, my subjects were all in a row, down through the bushes and into my castle, me and my prince we would go, but it wasn't long before i was grown, without a prince or a castle my own, and if wishes were horses then i'd ride a Clydesdale, if hope were a river then i could set sail, and if it wasn't for these then i'd be a sad sight indeed, cause if boat rides were ten cents then all i could do is sit on the bank and cry, my what a deal.' What a song. Track 2, with it's Bonnie Raitt flavor, "Skin Deep", shows Kathy in front a more R&B rock format - and she nails the genre with deft ability, 'your clothes are pretty like the company you keep, you spend your money but your talk is cheap'. "Day After Day", opens with a classic jazzer guitar solo, and the tune moves with downbeat strums and siren like vocals, sweet and unassuming - 'day after day, week after week, year after year, i won't have to wonder, i'll have no fear, cause I know it'll be this way, and that you'll be here, day after day, year after year.' The amazing thing about this tune is that it sounds like a jazz standard already - wonderful. The final track, which is true of so many artists, is a raw representation of what is closest to the artist - the song, "Along the Way", is a narrative of some of the tougher subjects in life and the nurturing comfort Kathy is providing to whomever she's singing to, 'you'll be afraid of growing old along the way, there'll be mysteries to unfold, but i'll do my best to keep you young at heart, and i'll shine my brightest when you feel you're in the dark, if you ever need me i'll be there, there's a place in this life that's ours to share, and you can count on me, let my love set you free, along the way.' Kathy is a substantial singing/songwriting talent and nearly every song on the CD is a melodic touching gem. Relaxing quality folk/pop/country record."

A star in the wings

Wylie Smith | Murfreesboro,TN USA | 09/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kathy holds court each Tuesday night at Wilhagen's in Nashville TN, an open mic night at a friendly tavern. Her faithful show up, both writers and fans. A night missed by my wife and I is a night that we both feel as if a part of us forgot something important. Her excellent stage presence, and friendly demeanor make the evening truely enjoyable. If you have a chance, go see her, if you don't, BUY THIS CD..."