Cara Dillon - Sweet Liberty
Rough Trade Records - 2003 - 52 minutes
Cara Dillon is a rare and extraordinary talent and it is a shame that she is not more widely acclaimed within her own country. While it might be difficult to categorise the Derry singer, there can be no doubting the quality of the music she produces. Winner of a Best Roots Act Hot Press award in 2002, Dillon has undoubtedly embraced her heritage.
Heavily accented and thematically charged, Dillon's music exudes an immense pride in her background. While you may want to classify it as traditional, this stifles her too much. The songs are inspirational, energising and evocative. Her beautiful Celtic voice enlivens the ballads and gives the performances a moving mystical quality.
She presents original work and older Irish favourites like 'The Gem of the Roe' in an equally impressive way. Her version of Tommy Sand's 'There Were Roses' is deeply evocative with Dillon personalising the song which gives an insight into her world in Northern Ireland. This track, a bittersweet reflection on Ireland's ongoing political issues, is beautifully brought to life on this album.
Cara Dillon sings with a passion that is evident in the depth of her content, lyrically illustrating the scars of the human heart. There are few on this island to equal her tremendous musical talent.
Linda McGee
Tracklisting: High Tide - The Winding River Roe - Everywhere - There Were Roses - Where Are You - The Gem Of The Roe - Bonny Bonny - Erin The Green - Broken Bridges - Falling Like A Star - Standing On The Shore - The Emigrant's Farewell
