AEOLUS (1981) Cyntia Smith and Ruth Barrett have described their 1981 debut recording as an "inward, winter album." The contemplative pace leads the listener to feel as though one is hearing these songs -- tales really -- around a winter's fire. This album is a collection of traditional British Isles ballads, songs and instrumental pieces,

AEOLUS (1981) Cyntia Smith and Ruth Barrett have described their 1981 debut recording as an "inward, winter album." The contemplative pace leads the listener to feel as though one is hearing these songs -- tales really -- around a winter's fire. This album is a collection of traditional British Isles ballads, songs and instrumental pieces, including original songs set to traditional folk melodies. So compelling is the vision of this album, that Music Connection Magazine says, "if you've ever wondered how time travel would feel, listen to the music of Ruth Barrett and Cyntia Smith." Price includes shipping and handling in the US. International customers must write to cyntia@cyntiasmith.com to order.

Instrumentation: fretted dulcimer, concertina, flute, cello and recorders

AEOLUS TRACK LIST:

Bird On The Briar (2:45)

Never Weather Beaten Saile (1:41)

The Mermaid (3:20)

Lullaby For Amanda (3:09)

Every Woman Born (2:10)

King Of The Faeries (2:15)

Aeolus, The Wind (3:28)

As I Roved Out (3:52)

Lesson For Two Lutes (1:33)

Blow The Candles Out (4:45)

Pastime With Good Company (1:06)

The Rolling Of The Stones (3:00)

The Weary Cutters (2:55)

REVIEWS

With their first album these two talented women step forth and establish a strong musical identity. Drawing on Medieval and Renaissance music of the British Isles for materials and inspiration, they have created a musical tapestry of women with their voices, dulcimer and their striking arrangements. --Walnut Valley Occasional Their entire approach is very artistic, refined and aesthetically elegant. In a world in which traditional notions of beauty are constantly being maligned, the music of Barrett and Smith is undeniably and unapologetically beautiful. This is lovely music, lovingly performed and presented. —By Folk Scene Magazine This is one of the most beautiful records ever made. —George Winston, Windham Hill Artist Ruth Barrett and Cyntia Smith produce music which faithfully recreates eras so far bygone that it reaches into our psychic depths of myth and imagination, emotionally transporting us in ways nothing on the radio can. —Music Connection Magazine

Few mountain dulcimer players can make the dulcimer sound as classic as can Ruth Barrett and Cyntia Smith. An additional bonus is the superb vocal quality of Ruth and Cyntia. The overall effect is one of classic beauty. Anyone with a love of music should thoroughly enjoy this album. —The Walnut Valley Occasional

MUSIC OF THE ROLLING WORLD (1982) Cyntia Smith's and Ruth Barrett's second release is a timeless collection of original and traditional British Isles folk songs celebrating Spring and Midsummer. The title song reminds us of our connection with the Earth, and our transformations within the cycles of the seasons. This recording is filled with songs

MUSIC OF THE ROLLING WORLD (1982) Cyntia Smith's and Ruth Barrett's second release is a timeless collection of original and traditional British Isles folk songs celebrating Spring and Midsummer. The title song reminds us of our connection with the Earth, and our transformations within the cycles of the seasons. This recording is filled with songs of celebration and playful love. Price includes shipping and handling in the US. International customers must write to cyntia@cyntiasmith.com to order.

TRACK LIST:

Unicorns* (4:02)

I Live Not Where I Love (2:46)

Three French Dances (3:05)

Faerie's Love Song (3:26)

The Rolling World (4:25)

The Broomfield Hill (3:40)

Pavan (1:30)

The Weaver And The Factory Maid (3:45)

The Cuckoo (2:54)

Lovers Of The Moon (3:31)

Cambridge May Song (2:44)

*used by permission from Highway Music

REVIEWS With their first album these two talented women step forth and establish a strong musical identity. Drawing on Medieval and Renaissance music of the British Isles for materials and inspiration, they have created a musical tapestry of women with their voices, dulcimer and their striking arrangements. --Walnut Valley Occasional Their entire approach is very artistic, refined and aesthetically elegant. In a world in which traditional notions of beauty are constantly being maligned, the music of Barrett and Smith is undeniably and unapologetically beautiful. This is lovely music, lovingly performed and presented. —By Folk Scene Magazine This is one of the most beautiful records ever made. —George Winston, Windham Hill Artist Ruth Barrett and Cyntia Smith produce music which faithfully recreates eras so far bygone that it reaches into our psychic depths of myth and imagination, emotionally transporting us in ways nothing on the radio can. —Music Connection Magazine

Few mountain dulcimer players can make the dulcimer sound as classic as can Ruth Barrett and Cyntia Smith. An additional bonus is the superb vocal quality of Ruth and Cyntia. The overall effect is one of classic beauty. Anyone with a love of music should thoroughly enjoy this album. —The Walnut Valley Occasional

Instrumentation: fretted dulcimer, Renaissance side drum, Celtic harp, fiddle, string bass, guitar, and cello

DEEPENING (1984, 2003) This gorgeous CD features traditional songs of 19th Century working women, as well as original magical and seasonal songs by the dulcimer singing duo. This 1984 release features Cyntia Smith's and Ruth Barrett's trademark arrangements of traditional British Isles songs and instruments, and songs of reverence for Nature.

DEEPENING (1984, 2003) This gorgeous CD features traditional songs of 19th Century working women, as well as original magical and seasonal songs by the dulcimer singing duo. This 1984 release features Cyntia Smith's and Ruth Barrett's trademark arrangements of traditional British Isles songs and instruments, and songs of reverence for Nature. Included in this collection are songs honoring women of our past whose stories are seldom sung -- factory workers, healers, and lovers parted by war. Also included is Catherine Madsen's Allu Mari Mi Portati, a song tribute to women who chose freedom through death during the time of the Inquisition.

Instrumentation: fretted dulcimer, Renaissance percussion instruments, fiddle, guitar, cello, concertina, tamburica bass, txistu, flute and whistle

Price includes shipping and handling in the US. International customers must write to cyntia@cyntiasmith.com to order.

TRACKLIST

Where Only Lovers Can Go (Barrett & Smith - 4:00)

Deepening (Barrett - 4:15)

Dance Of The Meadow Mice (Smith - 2:25)

Chosen Country (Barrett - 3:35)

The Doffing Mistress (Traditional - 2:50)

The Plains Of Waterloo (Traditional - 4:07)

Lord Of The Dance (Words by Aidan Kelly & Ann Cass; with additional words by R. Barrett; music by Leslie Fish - 4:15)

Imagine The World (Barrett - 3:58)

Factory Girl (Traditional - 4:40)

Song Of The Wandering Aengus (Words by W.B. Yeats; music by R. Barrett - 4:15)

The Orange Rogue (Traditional 2:20)

Allu Mari Mi Portati (Catherine Madsen - 3:25)

REVIEWS A fascinating exploration of feminist sentiments and mystic emotional expression. The vocal sound is intense and deep, Ruth and Cyntia's voices blending and weaving through the mixture of contemporary and traditional tunes. —Dulcimer Players News

Exquisite vocals and instrumentation. Their stories are imbued so strongly and deeply with life-force that they become part of great and ageless myth. —Harvest