Kate Rusbys album, Hand Me Down, started life a few years ago whilst she was rehearsing for the Jo Whiley Show on BBC Radio 2. Jo asks her live music guests to perform songs of their own plus any cover version of their choice, Kates choice at that time was Oasis Dont Go Away; on her second visit to the show she chose by Friday Im in Love by The Cure.As a folk singer, its what I do, re-interpret existing songs, but usually the songs are much, much older. After playing a version of Oasis Dont Go Away on the BBC Radio 2 Jo Whiley show, about 5 years ago, it dawned on me that not just the very old songs are handed down through the generations, but also favourite songs of any age, of any generation. Songs are precious for many different reasons. With Dont Go Away proving so popular on the last album and hearing the reaction when we performed it on tour, I decided, Right, thats it! I am doing a whole album of covers.It was always the plan to make this album this year, lock-down just made it more intimate. We have laughed and we have cried, we have danced and we have sung. All of that is here, engrained in every track.