Search - Jamie O'Reilly :: Swimming Deeper

A soulful, sensual collection of songs of a woman's dreams and daydreams, Swimming Deeper features Jamie's warm alto on 12 cuts rooted in American folk tradition, yet expansive, moving and original in lyric and melody. The fruit of Jamie's seven year musical collaboration with Michael Smith (with whom she recently starred in the popular musical revue Hello Dali: From the Sublime to the Surreal at Victory Gardens in Chicago) the songs of Swimming Deeper reflect the next chapter for O'Reilly after her departure from the Irish folk music scene. These are introspective, sensual songs that plumb the depths of a woman's self: growing older, love and adventure, the sweet and sublime mysteries of life. The songs highlight Jamie's artistic influences: poetry, ethnic music and the vocal stylings of such legends as Joan Baez, while featuring a performance style that is uniquely her own. Jamie co-wrote some songs with Smith, providing lyrics: The House that is You, Hombre del Mundo, Solamente, or found poetry: Queen of the Four Fires (Song for Saint Bridgid), The Flowering Henna, (from the Shulamite variation of the Songs of Songs), and Gabriela Mistral's The Swallow. Also included: Waving to Picasso from Hello Dali, songs from Smith's music for The Snow Queen and traditional ballads Annie Laurie and The Riddle Song. Jamie harmonizes with herself, and Michael Smith's guitar arrangements provide a subtle, sophisticated accompaniment.