Kate Reid, Caroline. Single Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Some people’s final moments on Earth strike at the soul perhaps more that reason or logic would suggest that they should; the ones to whom the celebrity status does not do justice for the sheer scale of input they have put into stranger’s lives, the inspiration they install, the boundaries they demolish; it is those that we maybe mourn the loss of in a deeper way than we might otherwise believe, that strike a match of motivation in us to create something in their honour.

No matter your own thoughts on Amy Winehouse, there can surely no debate on how she shook the world with her interpretations of music, the smoky upbeat jazz/soul melody of voice and how it melded with the times in such a way that she didn’t just capture the zeitgeist, she let it loose to run rampant and enthuse others in the wake of her life, and in her sad passing in 2011.

Glasgow’s singer/songwriter Kate Reid understands the beauty in the woman, the strength she persisted in showing to the world, even when it became sadly obvious that she was playing through the sadness and despair of the accompanying music.

In the marking of the tenth anniversary of Ms. Winehouse’s passing, a song that has been almost hidden from view and originally penned by David McSweeney, is given the release of life, and in the fierce lyrics of Caroline, the feeling of isolation, perhaps the seclusion that many of us have faced since, is enhanced, pushed beyond the sadness, and instead frames what it means to be a fragile, but openly talented, and arguably flawed human being.

To acknowledge the flaw is proof that we are capable of reaching the highs unforeseen, of achieving greatness by overcoming the narrative set out for us, and Kate Reid’s daring interpretation of the song is to be applauded for the courage of its own performance, as well as acknowledging the flaw of hero who inspired so many.

The song itself is resplendent, rich, forceful, it strides out into the world in the same dynamic manner that Amy Winehouse accomplished, but it is also tender, the accompanying accordion and piano being true to the softer side of performance, and as Caroline progresses, it reflects the message of what it means to be alone, to be surrounded by your own tangible thoughts, but hopefully feel the love expressed so elegantly by Kate Reid at the same time.

A truly wonderful piece of art that encapsulates the spirit of an icon, Caroline is marvellous song that fills the heart.

Kate Reid releases Caroline on July 23rd.

Ian D. Hall