Album Notes

Known for their hauntingly beautiful harmonies, and voices that blend so well even they can't tell them apart, Emily and Sophia having been singing together as Glass of Water since 2004. They sing a wide range of traditional and tradition-inspired songs from New England, Appalachia, the British Isles, all of which they arrange for two a cappella voices. "They have a remarkable knack for creating distinctive arrangements and weaving intricate vocal lines. Their blithe singing shows a deep affection and respect for their eclectic sources."

Emily Steele Hurst is originally from Greensboro, VT. An alumna of the St. Johnsbury Academy Hilltones and the youth choral group Village Harmony, and a member of Northern Harmony's 2004 tour, Emily is a die-hard fan of a cappella choral traditions. She enjoys creating unusual and delicate harmony lines, and sinking into the "crunchy" chords with such a well-matched singing partner as Sophia. At Cornell University she started a folk a capella group, has sung with the Cornell World Music Choir, and is as active in the Ithaca shape note community as her busy schedule allows her.

Sophia Smith-Savedoff grew up in a music-filled Jewish community in Washington, D.C. Folk music is her passion: she writes songs of her own, plays guitar and tries her hand at fiddle as well. She likes to stretch her already extensive vocal range at both ends to produce low drones as well as higher harmonics. At Cornell University she is president of the Cornell Folk Song Society and spends as much time as she can promoting folk music on campus and in surrounding Ithaca.


Praise for "all the other fine things":

"You've many reasons to be awfully proud of your cd. It's not just a good first album, it's plain good. No clutter or gimmicks; beautiful intonation throughout; distinctive, sensitive, fresh readings. . . . The music comes first in your renditions, and your harmonies are tasteful and complemental. I especially like the little islands the solos provide. Paradoxical how removing a voice adds a dimension. Bravo. You did all the songs proud, including mine." --Jeff Deitchman

"I love it! There's something about a CD that brings everything together, something you can hold, and see, and listen to... you've done a beautiful job on all accounts. You know I love what you do together anyway... the CD is a reminder and a nice way that I can share you with others. I can envision you two singing all over the world and bringing joy and pleasure to thousands... someone should help make that happen!" --Mark Sustic

"Thank you for this most amazing cd. Everything in it brings tears to my eyes -- the pure unbridled joy of Sophia and Emily in their photographs and in their voices, the arrangmenets and harmony of their singing take 'folk' music way beyond most musicians' work, the pieces they did were incredibly dense and deep and difficult and they sang so effortlessly. I can't stop listening." --Kay

"I don't really know how to describe my feelings about your music. I just sat and listened to your CD twice since last night besides listening to it on the way home. Usually its' a bit different to listen to the CD after a performance but your beautiful voices and the delight you have in your music come through every bit as clearly. You are wonderful and I am going to spread the word." --Kathy Robertson

"Mazel Tov. The album is incredible. I don't really have superlatives to praise it sufficiently. I've only listened to it a few dozen times so far." --Dale

"The CD is... amazing. I had to take it off my CD alarm because I was lying in bed listening to the whole thing every morning rather than getting up and shutting it off and getting ready for school." --Julia

"WOWWWWW. You 'guyz' are truly awesome, as in, awe inspiring. The reviewers are right; the sound is haunting as is the melding of your two voices as one." --Karen