Album Notes

First Round Nominee, 2006 Grammy Awards
"Traditional Folk" and "Production, Non-Classical"

A lively and engaging singer and multi-instrumentalist, Darcy Nair has performed professionally as a soloist and with folk music groups in the Washington, D.C. area since 1990.

Her experience ranges from traditional and modern celtic music to English sea shanties and pub songs, renaissance madrigals, bluegrass, and modern songwriting.

She performs solo and with several bands (including The Pyrates Royale -- www.cdbaby.com/cd/pyratesroyale) and has produced 8 recordings. Her eclectic music career has taken her all over the U.S., from New York City to Key West. In addition to singing lead and harmony vocals Darcy plays hammered dulcimer, Irish bouzouki, English concertina, bodhran and bones.

HighStrung is a mix of instrumental tunes such as Davey Arthur's popular Irish session tune "Tamlin Reel," and songs written "in the tradition" such as Tony Cuffe's "The Bonnie Lass." Rather than recording straight up covers, Darcy makes these pieces her own with innovative arrangements and special touches, including the fingerstyle guitar stylings of Gregory Lygon.

When she's not making music, Darcy enjoys sailing up and down the mid Atlantic coast on the tallship The Kalmar Nyckel.

What listeners are saying:

"Songs like, 'Now I Know' and 'Half Moon Bay' hold up well with the style of Nair's voice -- very introspective and even a bit dreamy at moments. Contrasting nicely are some lovely instrumental tracks, where you can just listen and enjoy the music. All in all, there is really a good combination of tracks here." -- Celtic MP3s Music Magazine

"It's beautiful, it's moving, and you'll swear Darcy is singing just for you."

"What a fantastic work of art. We really love it."

"I can't say enough how much your music lifts me up and brings peace to my world."