Roses

A gem:
I bought this CD because (being a Kim Richey fan) I wanted to hear Mattea's interpretation of Richey's "I'm Alright". What I found out is that the whole CD is mind-blowingly excellent! It has a Celtic vibe that gets the blood pumping and feet tapping and a gospel influence that is calming at the same time. For Celtic authenticity, Irish National whistle champion Joanie Madden from Cherish the Ladies appears on a couple of songs. The CD kicks off with the upbeat "That's All the Lumber". "Guns of Love" is a standout, especially in these uncertain times, as is "Junkyard" - about the bombardment of trash we see and hear, even if we don't want to. The touching "Ashes in the Wind" is a true story and stunning in its simplistic arrangement. I love "We are the Roses" and "I'm Alright". This whole CD is stunning and definitely worth the price.

One Of Kathy's Best:
I first met Kathy at Marshall Univeristy (Huntington, WV) back in 1977, when she came to visit a mutual friend and perform at our campus coffee house. I was immediately struck by her voice and talent. I instantly became a fan. I was thrilled when her first album came out in 1984. I can't say enough about her wonderful voice. I've added each of her albums to my collection over the years and always been amazed at her talent. "Roses" is by far one of Kathy's best. This is the Kathy I so fondly remember from all those years ago as I sat there listening for the first time in that college coffee house. You can tell this is a CD that Kathy has made free from the interference and medling of some Nashville record executive. I LOVE IT! Thanks Kathy for a great CD!!

MATTEAýS ROSES CD IS A TRUE DELIGHT!:
If there is one thing I love about Kathy Mattea other than her incredible voice, it is that her music is neither predictable nor restricted to a formula. In this, she is reminiscent of folk legend Joan Baez, another of my favorite singers. With both of these women, the first listening of a new album is a truly delightful musical adventure. Such it was for me when first I listened to Mattea's "Roses". She hooked me with the first tract, "That's All the Lumber You Sent", with it's get-to-your-very-soul message and Irish licks. "Guns of Love" is a wonderful play on a word-GUN-that usually conjures up visions of violence. The Jon Vezner penned "Ashes in the Wind" pulls at the heartstrings and makes the listener ponder his/her own chosen road in life. "Junkyard" touches me deeply. It is so true, with today's media spewing "junk" at me constantly that I too find myself saying, "My mind is not a junkyard." "Isle of Irishmore" parts 1 and 2 carry me away to Ireland and it's lush green landscape. Mattea has filled this CD with a virtual musical mix. One hears Country, Celtic, and touches of Folk. All 12 songs are winners. "Roses" is one of Mattea's best albums. It is one that any true Mattea fan should not miss. Diane Meholick, author of the novel, "Painting Katherine".

Rise Up on the Wind:
Kathy Mattea's "Roses" is an excellent set with strong songs from beginning to end. Her voice is expressive, and the arrangements are varied. The opener "That's All the Lumber You Sent" is a bubbly mix with Celtic flavoring from John Mock's whistle, Tim Laurer's accordion & Chris Carmichael's fiddle. Another favorite of mine is "Come Away With Me" with its breezy melody, "We will rise up on the wind & over the clouds, finally free." Co-written by Mattea, it could be romantic escapism or it could be a song about loosing the bond of the flesh for a higher reality. As with "Lumber," "Junkyard" was written by Bob & Linda Halligan. It's another bubbly tune with Mattea's feisty vocals and Byron House's insistent bass pumping in the background. All of the tracks such as "I'm Alright," "Ashes in the Wind," and "They Are the Roses" are strong. This is an excellent set! Enjoy!

Risky Departure?:
I did not like this album and I have a fan for a long time. I believe that Ms. Mattea's voice does not have the verve and quality of just a few years ago. It is a departure, in more ways than one.