Cara Dillon - Voice of an Angel

Rarely do I stumble across a singer that I enjoy as much as Cara Dillon. This Northern Ireland songbird came to my attention a few weeks ago when I was preparing for my Seattle vacation and a long plane ride. Several years ago I fell in love with the voice of Cara's sister Mary Dillon who played with the traditional Celtic band Deanta. Mary has embraced motherhood recently putting her musical career on the sidelines.

After sampling several of Cara's songs I purchased her three albums online. Not since my discovery of Alison Krauss years ago have I enjoyed a female singer more. In fact there are similarities in the styles of the two singers. Each vocalist sings with a pure sense of intimacy and sweetness. Each word, each phrase and each transition are perfectly executed with just the precise amount of warmth and feeling.

Cara Dillon is a folk singer who grew up in Londonderry singing and playing violin and whistle. She learned many of the old Irish tunes from her grandmother. Cara reinvents the Celtic classics  in fresh and unique ways. But she also records new material including some of her own tunes. Her husband Sam Lakeman is a brilliant pianist who has played a key role in each of Cara’s three albums.

Cara’s amazing talent has primarily been recognized in Europe.  I would love to see her make an American tour. I think she would take the states by storm.