Cara Dillon - Cara Dillon (2001)

«Born in 1975 and performing since the age of 14, Cara Dillon has created many opportunities with an almost angelic voice. Born in Dungiven, Ireland, Dillon won the All Ireland Singing Trophy at age 14. She also became vocalist for Oige, an Irish band in her area. In 1995, she became the vocalist for Equation, an Irish "folk super-group" that toured Europe and the Middle East. In July 2001, Dillon released her debut solo self-titled album on Rough Trade Records. She has worked with several musicians ranging from Phil Coulter to Mike Oldfield. She has also received critical acclaim in British music magazines and in 2001 received two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, one for Best Newcomer (Horizon Award) and the other for Best Traditional Track.

Although this is her debut offering, Cara Dillon sings with a confidence yet fragility way beyond her years. From the Irish traditional lilt on “Donald of Glencoe” to the gentleness of Craigie Hill, the singer has a very distinct delivery that is greatly enhanced by a sparse arrangement that has an almost ethereal result. There is also an earthy quality to her voice, which is indicative of her traditional Celtic roots. “The Lonesome Scenes of Winter” is perhaps the highlight of the record, with a simple lullably-like melody about love and foreseeable marriage. Although there are certain areas which are slightly overproduced, the general feeling of purity isn't lost from start to finish. What is very attractive though about the album is how the songs have a lot of empty space within, allowing various instrumentation to come to the fore. The closing and longest track, “I Am A Youth That's Inclined To Ramble”, is very poignant and bittersweet. This album is hopefully a sign of things to come from a true gem.» (AMG)

Cara Dillon Live in Italy (Photo: Radu)

«With her self-titled debut album, Derry-born Cara Dillon joins the ever-growing band of young singers producing traditional albums that sit equally well with a more mainstream audience. Having shone in, and then left, the hapless Equation, Dillon has struck out with musical partner Sam Lakeman (and this is essentially a duo album in all but name) to stunning effect. The material featured is all traditional in source and performed to a largely acoustic backing, plus Lakeman's rolling piano and the odd inspired moment of electricity. Dillon has a voice that sets her apart from the more traditional singers, at times sounding as if she should be fronting a dreamy guitar band rather than a folk group. She handles the songs expertly, however, combining originality and understanding to perfection. And while to group her with Kate Rusby (another Equation alumni) and Bill Jones may appear an obvious thing to do, it is these three young women who are producing the sort of folk music that will keep the fire burning long into the 21st century.» (Amazon)

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