The subtitle of this album is “Bitchin’ Babe, Smith Sister, Hag;” it is a culmination of my career as a performing and recording artist, that at this point has spanned many years. As well as being a solo performer, I have also been a member of The Four Bitchin’ Babes, The Smith Sisters (with my sister, Megan), and early on as a member of The Hags, an all-women Irish-folk group (where I learned to play the bodhrán - Irish drum).
My first albums with my sister were recorded with the legendary Doc and Merle Watson (as well as Sam Bush, T. Michael Coleman, Pete Kennedy, Mike Auldridge and Mark O’Connor), whose influences can be heard thoughout my music. Being a member of the Babes had a huge impact on my songwriting. Celtic flavorings are apparent in one song I started writing in the Hags, among others. The only song I didn’t pen on this album is the marvelous “Dimming of the Day” by Richard Thompson, recorded by The Smith Sisters and produced and played on by John Jennings who was also producing Mary Chapin Carpenter at the time.
Some of the record labels I have been fortunate to be on over the years include Flying Fish/Rounder, Shanachie, Amerisound, American Melody, Sony Music, and more - on at least 25 albums. I have been grateful to work with many amazing and renowned musicians/recording artists (I miss Al Petteway, who was among them), and be a member of groups that have tried to provide enjoyable performances through laughter... and tears (one audience member described a Babes’ concert as “one of the best therapy sessions they ever had!”). Those experiences along with my personal life experiences color the songs on this album. Most of the songs are new, but a number of them I started writing many years ago – and finally finished them this year.
Thank you to each one of you. Art is a two-way street. Thank you for keeping music and the arts alive.