Outskirts of Country Blog

Nothing Tragic about Redgate

Rick Teverbaugh  |  July 15, 2009

It took me a good bit of time to figure out how to explain exactly why I feel so strongly about Kate Redgate and her recently released album Nothing Tragic. After about the fourth time through the disc it hit me what I liked - everything.

Redgate spent her youth in Illinois and has spent a significant amount of time in the Midwest. Currently she resides in New England. The music on Nothing Tragic is a most engaging mix of country and blues with any lines between the two significantly blurred by her wonderful and expressive vocals, which are equally at home in both camps at once.

She also plays acoustic guitar throughout and has written all 11 songs on the disc. For Roxy's she asks, "Where do you go/When you've got no home...How do you love/When you've never been loved?"

One thing that seems bold to me for an artist cultivating a country audience is her widespread inclusion of Tom West's Hammond organ on many of the cuts. Other songs carry a heavy dose of Kevin Barry's tasty licks on electric and steel guitar.

As a working mom with two children with a boatload of talent, I really hope many will give this disc a chance. There's some great songs to be found and some wonderful talent on display. You can find out more about her here. Let me know how you feel about her.