Colleen Geraghty is a new voice to my ears and a very welcome one. Her voice is crystal clear, diction excellent and delivery hard to improve. The baker's dozen tracks on Deep Ravines are self-penned over a number of years and, to be honest, it is difficult to date them -- her early output is equal to her new material.

She opens with "In the Rubble of the Lonesome" and paints a beautiful word picture of lost love. "My Piano" is a story-song that keeps you listening to find out how it ends. The song has an authentic sound that adds to the tale.

One of my favourite tracks is "Spirit Canoe," which has a haunting melody and beautiful lyrics ideally suited to her voice. Looking at the credits I was delighted to note that Jay Ungar played mandolin and harmony vocalists included Amy Fradon. John Kirk's tin whistle adds a new dimension to the song. In fact, Fradon features on most of the tracks and apparently encouraged Geraghty in the venture. Thank you, Amy.

"Legends" is another heartfelt song, followed by "Nikolay," which she dedicated to Nikolay Palchikoff, who arrived at Hiroshima shortly after the atomic blast and is quoted as saying, "Peace is not very popular but we must continue to try." "Love's Widow" is a fascinating title and it is combined with a lovely Yiddish-style tune that captivates the ear and mind.

The death of Mathew Shepard near Laramie inspired Colleen to write her "Hymn for Matthew." It is delivered without accompaniment and is all the more powerful for this. Mathew apparently was killed because he was gay and, as Geraghty sings, "there are frightening things we do when we are afraid."

Colleen Geraghty is a talent to watch and a voice to experience. Her songs are well crafted and delivered with emotion. I would have liked a little more background on some in the otherwise excellent booklet.

- Rambles
written by Nicky Rossiter
published 30 October 2004

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