Cynthia Bennett

Country of origin:

U.S.

Type of music generally:

Traditional and neo-traditional

Status:

New release, Mother Ireland's Daughters (2007)

See also:

Cynthia Bennett's site

Comparisons:

Victoria Parks, Heather Russell

Covers/own material:

Traditional and own compositions

General comments:

Cynthia Bennet has a rich alto with an old-timey warble and sings traditional Irish songs and neo-traditional songs of her own composition. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)

Recommended first album:

Cauldron of Life is the only one we've heard

Recordings:

• Cauldron of Life (2006)
• Mother Ireland's Daughters (2007)

Cauldron of Life

Release info:

2006—self-released

Availability:

See Cynthia Bennett's site

Ecto priority:

Recommended for fans of traditional and neo-traditional music

Group members:

Cynthia Bennett—vocals

Guest artists:

Steve Browne—guitars

Comments:

With only guitar accompaniment, Cynthia Bennett sings her traditional and neo-traditional songs. Her presentation is old-timey which will only suit those whose tastes include this style. For me, the experience was mixed. I particularly liked the lively, traditional songs "Roger the Miller" and"Biddy Mulligan" which I felt showed Cynthia Bennett's vocals to their best effect and she sounds like she's really engaging with the characters she's singing about. "Down By the Glenside" is a classic that shows off the mournful richness of Cynthia Bennett's vocals. I would recommend this to anyone who likes old-fashioned presentation of traditional and neo-traditional music. (sophiagurley@hotmail.com)

Thanks to Sophia Gurley for work on this entry.