Search - Kathy Mattea :: Love Travels

Classy Country! Fabulous Folk! Righteous Rock!

Gregor von Kallahann | 11/06/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As far as I know, country music artists don't have "Q" ratings like TV stars, but if they did Kathy Mattea would surely rate among the most likeable. So far I've only see her perform on television (though I'm looking forward to seeing her in person in a couple of weeks) but she is a extremely engaging performer and a fine singer. As country stars go, she's one of the most eclectic and least mannered. Her artistic integrity is readily apparent. Even though she does not pen the bulk of her material herself, she has a flair for finding great songs and making them all her own."Love Travels" is a fine record, almost a concept album with its many songs of transcendant, almost spiritual love (the title song, "Sending Me Angels," "End of the Line," and the ode to Martin Luther King, "Beautiful Fool" which closes the album). Of course, there's a portion of traditional "country tears of thee" too in a song like "If That's What You Call Love,." and Kathy's folky tendencies are given vent on Cheryl Wheeler's "Further and Further." There's plenty of uptempo light country rock ("I'm on Your Side," "All Roads to the River," and Gillian Welch's "455 Rocket") as well. Not a bad cut on the record. The gal's got taste and class, and she brings something special to every song she records.Whether she's helping to bring new songwriters to her audience's attention (2 Gillian Welch efforts here, before Gillian was very well known) or serving up new work by veteran writers like Janis Ian (who co-wrote the aforementioned "All Roads..." with Kathy's hubby Jon Vezner), Mattea obviously does her homework when it comes to finding the right material for her rich, honeyed voice. Can't wait to see her live!"

Kathy Mattea avoids the Nashville cookie cutter approach.

moconor@ma.ultranet.com | Massachusetts | 07/14/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kathy Mattea had her moments in the sun as Nashvile's reigning female artist but, on this album, shuns the country mainstream to make heartfelt music. The result is an album that probably isn't country but stands far above what gets played on country radio today. Standout tracks include "455 Rocket', "If That's What You Call Love", the spirited title track, and the swaying "Patiently Waiting." An album that deserves to be heard, and owned, by everyone!!!"

An undiscovered talent, that will be discovered

! | yahoo chat: books and literature | 02/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kathy Mattea is a perfect example of why I have been able to tune into 'country' music. If 'I'm on Your Side' was'nt inspired by the Beatles' 'She's a Woman', then my eardrums are made of saran wrap!This album is a mix of styles, subjects and moods. Why do we all feel we've heard 455 Rocket years ago? Because its classic. This album has not gotten the attention it deserves. In my opinion, if Kathy keeps her quality up to this level, she will someday be seen by the general public as the unique talent she is. And 'Beautiful Fool' is fantastic.P.S. I think her videos are an achievement in their own right."