by Chris NicksonHer first album won lots of U.K. awards and praise, but what has Karine Polwart done with that difficult second disc? Surpassed all expectations, is the answer. There's a smoothness and confidence to the writing and performances that show just how much difference a year can make, and the songs burst like little flowers, whether it's the happy-go-lucky, upbeat, "I'm Gonna Do It All," or the thoughtful look at sex trafficking on "Maybe There's a Road." The tales Polwart tells are personal, but they all resonate deeply, and her voice, which has grown in stride with her stature, wraps them carefully and lyrically, easing them into the listener's ear. She even takes on one of the most difficult subjects, the Holocaust, with "Baleerie Baloo," and offers something that touches the emotions far beyond statistics and pictures. That she's a major talent is undeniable