Eddi Reader - Ae Fond Kiss (Celtic Connections 2003)

I feel the same way, Graeme. Yes, she's got an inherently lovely voice. But I personally don't warm to some of her ways of playing around the tune, which to my mind don't always work to the benefit of the song, and she often sounds like the timing has gotten away from her, when she's teasing the phrasing -- it's a wee bit like seeing someone occasionally stagger a little when they're dancing. So my appreciation of Eddi's singing - competent, but not remarkable - has to be a qualified one.

Lovely lady and a wonderful artist.

@quoyote
I don't have an issue with many 100s of artists singing Burns words. I think a man/woman who gets on stage and tries their best - deserves respect. If if we all know their performance is rubbish. But the word 'genius' is used in overdrive these days. Especially by marketing men. Not everyone can be a genius. It is a lovely performance but I can't hear novelty or anything different to 90% also-ran balledeers. Maybe I will have wait longer before I get Eddi.

Graeme, respectfully as well, I don't know if she is a genius or not, possibly yes, especially in this song, but I believe your questions are not relevant, because she is a singer. By definiton, being a genius as a signer doesn't require mastering instruments, writing, etc. The problem is that traditional, popular arts are not recognised in the same way as so called (by the elite) "nobel arts". But genius can be everywher and in everyone (even if intermitently)...

I concede. A voice can be an instrument. And hers is lovely. And yes, this is a beautiful performance.
However, somoeone above began making this a "graeme0309" doesn't understand nor appreciates folk music. Be careful lads. My comment doesn't even mention comparing genres in any way. My point was struggling popstars frequently pick up other genres when they find an opportunity to extend their career. And please, don't be writing "what's wrong with that?" Nothing. Save yourself the energy.

Yes indeed However, I feel that the inspiration of Fairground Attraction was very folkish already, so it's not an opportunist move. She just keeps on doing what she likes, always did, and does best. (...)

(2) Anyway, trying to launch a pop career is most often a by-default non-choice for young musicians, because of the money and fame attached, it is viewed as more attractive and valuable. In the end, those artists are not necessary true to themselves and to their audience. In my view, Eddi could not be more successful, in the true sense, as she is now! (BTW: Wow! So rare to see on the web that people not fully agreeing are not just insulting each other ;)

@TartempionLampion
Constructive criticism is a rare and beautiful thing indeed. Anyone can say anything they like - if it's delivered properly.