Niamh (pron. Neeve) Parsons has come to be known as one of the most distinctive voices in Irish music. Her voice has drawn comparisons to such venerated singers as Dolores Keane, June Tabor and Sandy Denny. The great Scottish balladeer Archie Fisher said of Niamh, "a songstress like her comes along once or twice in a generation."

Never has this been more clear than on her new album, Heart's Desire (Green Linnet, 2002) featuring Graham Dunne. True to the direction of the two solo albums that preceded it, In My Prime and Blackbirds and Thrushes, Niamh's latest album furthers the tradition of Irish song with unadorned settings and heartfelt delivery. She has gathered together a collection of songs drawn from both traditional sources and modern writers including Mark Knopfler and Andy Irvine. The talented musicians who play on the album include in addition to her main accompanist, guitarist Graham Dunne, accordionist Josephine Marsh and Dennis Cahill, who produced the CD, and calls it "her best work yet."

Hometown: Ireland
Similar Artists: Dolores Keane, June Tabor, Sandy Denny

Website: Niamh Parsons
Download MP3: "The Rigs of Rye"
Buy CD: "Heart's Desire"

Posted by Marc Gunn, Thursday, July 07, 2005.
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