Influences...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

Musically, I love *any* folk group that takes a traditional piece and makes it unique. I suppose my current favorite would be Tinsmith. Local band, but y'all...they ROCK! See them if you can, and if not, buy their stuff.

Vocally? While I *love* voices like Mary Black, Loreena McKennitt, and Maire Brennan, my own voice is so unlike any of theirs that it's damned near impossible for me to emulate them. I'd have a *much* easier time singing Opera...no lie.

So, British Isles folk artist though I may be, Bonnie Raitt is one of my strongest influences. Within folk, I tend to gravitate more to the vocal styles of many men instead of women, which for the purposes of "Pirate music" (a mostly male genre when one considers Shanty's and nautical music as a whole) is understandable. I can't imagine a lady Pirate with a breathy, delicate voice anyway, frankly. "Delicate" and "Grace O'Malley, Anne Bonney, and Mary Read" seems to mesh about as well as burgundy paisleys and lime green daiseys.

However, there are a couple of notable exceptions for women in folk (all local). I have always loved the work of Stephanie and Laura of "Women of Whimsey" and "Bawdy Balladeers" fame. Both of them have strong, controlled, rich voices. One of the highest compliments I have ever received was when I was told that my voice was similar to Laura's. I don't hear it, but that's OK. I'll take the compliment none the less. Again, if any of you has the opportunity to hear them, go for it...if not, buy a CD. They too rock.