I've often wondered what it might sound like if I could hear an angel sing. And then I heard Penny Rutzou, and I don't wonder anymore.

Recorded in Denmark in August '99, Rutzou's self-titled EP includes six beautiful and melodic tunes that touch into the heart of the old somber Irish ballad. The album includes her renditions of traditional favorites, such as "The Wind that Shakes the Barely" and "The Annan Waters," as well as her own soft tales, such as the sad tale of love lost, gained and lost again in "Not the First Time," and life as it unwinds "Under an Open Sky."

These six tracks feature Rutzou's voice either by herself or accompanied by just a guitar. They touch the heart of the Celtic style of music and can create quite a quiet, relaxing mood. In fact, the only thing bad I can say is that the EP is too short, clocking in at just over 27 minutes.

Penny Rutzou's release has soul and a heart, communicating with melody and voice to produce I very fine piece of work that will please any fan of Celtic music.

[ by Charles Gebetsberger ]