With gratifying offerings from artists like Carolyn Arends, Wes King, Billy Crockett, as well as this debut project from Kim Rattan, fans of folk-infused pop and acoustic groove music have had a feast to pick from in 1995. Rattan brings a bounty of songwriting talent to the table, in addition to her vocal and guitar ability.
With a luxurious voice, Rattan easily conveys range of emotion. At times sounding similar to Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Carolyn Arends, she sets a pleasing and familiar tone with her songs. Rattan has a gift for giving uncompromising exhortations, as well as for understanding the struggles we all face here on earth. "There's More," "Dancing Where The Angels Dance," and "No Regrets" demonstrate this unswerving and unique approach. "There's More" was written as a "plea to at least look, listen, and consider the possibility that God offers hope, forgiveness, and a solution for the human condition;" while "No Regrets" was written as a reminder to her children that "a life woven together by a thread of faith in Jesus can never fail you in the end." Finally, "Dance Where The Angels Dance" was inspired by the life of Rattan's brother Mark, and was written just two weeks after his death:
He couldn't walk But he made life dance A victim of hard circumstance ...His legs of rubber And bent steel Yet with endurance He ran his race.
Clearly, this is an artist who sees more in this life than meets the eye, and who longs to share the eternal hope that she has found.
Even a glance at the liner notes evidences Kim Rattan's depth-she is as accomplished behind the scenes as she is in front of the microphone or with the pen. In addition to writing credits on all twelve tracks (among the co-writers is Nicholas Giaconia), she also lends her hand to the production team, which includes Rick May of Walter Eugenes fame.
Crafted in the music haven of Columbus, Ohio, Rattan's project has a heart-land, home-grown warmth to it. Opting for straight-forward lyrics and subtle, yet captivating melodies, her songs have a strong balance of message and music. Utilizing acoustic, electric, and classical guitars, as well as B-3 organ, fiddle, mandolin and even a pennywhistle, Rattan's instrumental base is anything but sparse.
Kim Rattan is a strong song-smith and musician-on her debut project she shares substantive and sensitive insight into both our human condition and the hope of heaven.
