Kate MacLeod - Wintergrace

“‘Wintergrace’ is the first song release from a project that's very dear to my heart,” says Kate MacLeod, a singer and songwriter inspired by American roots music and noted musician specializing in Scottish, Irish, American old-time, and improvisational fiddling. “The Jean Ritchie Experience is a series of recordings I'm creating with collaborators to share in new ways the work of American folk musician, Kentucky-born Jean Ritchie (1922-2015).

“‘Wintergrace’ expresses the experience of deep winter, its gifts of introspection, reflection, spiritual renewal, and the opportunity for a slower pace of life that the cold days and long nights of winter offer. As in some other compositions of hers, this song's religious undercurrents are subtly universal and bridge spiritual experience with the natural world in a manner reminiscent of ancient cultures. I’ve produced this arrangement by singing with my old J-45 acoustic guitar, adding my mountain dulcimer, and inviting guest musicians from West Virginia, John Bryant on acoustic bass and Morgan Morrison on vocal harmony, to add to the music. I hope you enjoy this rendition of Jean’s beautiful song. Follow this project through my website at www.katemacleod.com/jeanritchie, where updates will be posted, including interviews with interesting people who knew and worked with Jean Ritchie.”

An artist who has withstood the test of time, Kate MacLeod presents original songs, instrumentals, and creative renditions of traditional and popular music. In concert, you might hear her singing a Scottish ballad or the 1971 hit “A Horse With No Name.” Since her first recording, produced by the late Charles Sawtelle of Hot Rize, her songs have been recorded by artists from California to the Czech Republic, including such noted musicians as Laurie Lewis and Mollie O'Brien. Kate has toured in the United States, Canada, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, and the UK. The Far-West region of Folk Alliance International presented her with the Best of the West Award in 2019. In addition to her roots music, she is a versatile composer who received the 2019 Alfred Lambourne Friends of the Great Salt Lake Award for an original violin duet. Her music is well suited for film soundtracks and has been used in a variety of documentaries. In February 2022, Kate released Uranium Maiden, a collection of music inspired by the Utah region, music from out of the heart of the American West. Kate is. A mountain woman, she splits her time at home between Salt Lake City, UT, and Harpers Ferry, WV.