Kate Wallace

Kate
Wallace Politics and Religion (New Pair O’ Dimes Music;
2006)

on Politics and Religion, troubadour Kate Wallace takes
on the topics we may push aside on the conversational plate the way
lima beans are parried in a child’s meal. But we avoid delving into controversial
issues to our peril. Whether in the midst of trouble or triumph, it
may seem like our current political situation is “Dry as a Desert”
(one of the tracks on the album), Wallace’s voice is like rain
pouring over caked-brown dirt, delivering heartfelt lyrics and
providing hope for change.

When I first received a copy of the CD, I couldn’t stop
listening. Wallace is one of Santa Barbara’s treasures, a denizen
in our area after a long stint singing in Nashville, she still
travels the world with guitar in hand, ready to perform. One of her
regular haunts is the Kerrville Folk Festival (www.kerrville-music.com), and
she’s a co-host of the monthly Trinity Backstage Concert Series
(www.trinitybackstage.com).
In this CD, Wallace is joined by John
Stewart (www.chillywinds.com), who recently
visited the Trinity scene to play to a packed room. Stewart is one
of her singer-songwriter idols, and her rendition of his tune
“Spirit” is enough to make a disbeliever change their mind about
the existence of a higher power.

“Mercy Brings Mercy,” another of Wallace’s tunes, is a sentiment
we would all do well to remember, no matter our politics or our
faith. While there are times we may want only pretty lyrics or a
catchy tune, Wallace packages a call for social justice in a
glorious wrapper, with a voice that soars and sings.

See www.katewallace.com .