REMEMBERING KATE WOLF / VARIOUS

Kate Wolf's songs still ring true years after her death. This loving tribute contains 14 heartfelt covers culled from the repertoire of the singer-songwriter, who died of leukemia in 1986. From Kathy Mattea's serene opener, "Give Yourself to Love," to Terry Garthwaite's near-tears closer, "Thinking About You," it's apparent that all involved in the project (from the contributing artists to producer Nina Gerber, who collaborated with Wolf through much of her career) hold Wolf in the highest esteem. Highlights here include Dave Alvin's gruff "These Times We're Living In," Nanci Griffith's mournful "Friend of Mine," and Rosalie Sorrels's sweet-as-an-angel version of "In China or a Woman's Heart." --Alexandra Russell