The Quickening slow but sure

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KATHRYN Williams, the woman behind the "token folk" Mercury Music Prize nominee Little Black Numbers in 2000, is refusing to drop the pace with The Quickening, her sixth album in the years since.
Not that the Northern singer-songwriter has a fast-paced sound - it's more low-key folk akin to Joni Mitchell.
And her trad folk leanings and wry lyrics are counterbalanced with canny production, resulting in a thoroughly pleasant listen.
The Quickening hardly sets the pulse racing, but is still music with a warm heart.