"My find of the year"--Max Ferguson, CBC radio. Vancouver native Fiona Blackburn, with a degree in voice performance from the University of British Columbia, sang and recorded with the internationally-acclaimed Vancouver Chamber Choir for several years. She has also been a guest soloist for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Okanagan Symphony, Masterpiece Music, the Vancouver Bach Choir, Music in the Morning, and Vancouver New Music.

After all the classical work, Blackburn wanted to find her own, unique sound through the Scottish and Irish music of her roots. This personal journey has resulted in a debut recording called Land of Passages (1995). Blackburn brings a new perspective to Celtic material, infusing well-known songs with a fresh new sound that is arresting in its uniqueness. Traditionalists may have misgivings about the approach, but Blackburn's wonderful, understated voice creates a magical spell.

Produced by Rick Kilburn, who also plays bass, additional musicians on Land of Passages include Miles Black, Mark Ferris, Roger Baird, Salvador Ferreras, and Marcelle Nokony.

Land of Passages
1995 Talisman (TALCD9501)

Toward Juneau; When Your Daddy Comes Home from the Sea; Dear Harp of My Country; Nadu-Nadudu; Lewis Bridal Song; Ca' the Yowes; If It's All the Same to You; Land of Passages; Cois Abha Móire Na nDéise; She's Like the Swallow; Gartan Mother's Lullaby; Seinnidh Mi Dàn; Next Market Day; An Eriskay Love Lilt; Ho! Mo Leannan/Clapping Song 62:29