Album Notes

The New York Times describes Cecilia this way:
"...she approaches each song as if it were a precious jewel, capable of yielding previously un- recognized shades of meaning and color.

"Singing in a voice of considerable range and varied texture, she manages to communicate the lyrical essence of a song in a way that is rare even among today's best-known performers.

"Miss Kirtland is also a sure-handed guitarist who brings crisp technique and a sophisticated ear to her stark, imaginative arrangements."

And here's Long Island Entertainment's assessment of "Small Comfort":
"...anybody from a fan of CD101.9 to parrotheads to Cajun pop aficionados is going to find something they like in Miss Kirtland, a woman with a rich, mature voice that's a refreshing change of pace from the rock diva angst queens and over-dramatic pop icons like Celine Dion or Mariah.

"Kirtland would be in a peer group that features a Bonnie Raitt or a Melissa Etheridge, though she's lighter in most ways...

"Those that like their music gentle and sophisticated will find this a worthy addition."

Cecilia's long-awaited debut is an eclectic mix, ranging from the uptempo full-band production of the gospel-flavored opener "Let Your Heart Dance",(which ends with a soul-satisfying ad lib acapela section) to the tasteful bluesy fingerstyle guitar work (by Kirtland) of "Please Yourself".

The haunting, atmospheric "Blood Border" showcases the story-telling capability of the singer in a context reminiscent of Lucinda Williams.

"Time Waits for No One" grooves to a solid reggae feel, while "Service Station Man" is a slinky, smoky double-entendre number in the lyrical tradition of Alberta Hunter's "Handy Man".

Cecilia Kirtland was born in Manhattan and raised on Long Island, the daughter of a Chilean poet (mother) and an American lawyer (father).

She started playing piano at the age of five, but then the "British invasion" and the American folk movement came along, and the piano was replaced by a guitar.

She appeared on CBS-TV's "Camera Three" with folk legends Jean Ritchie and Oscar Brand while in high school.

(She also contributed background vocals to Ritchie's "None But One" on Sire Records, which was awarded Best Folk Album of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine.

Cecilia has opened shows for artists such as Kenny Rankin, Buzzy Linhart, Dr.John, Tom Paxton, and Holly Near, among others.

She has performed at many benefits for listener supported radio stations WUSB, (Stony Brook, NY) and WPKN,(Conn).

She composed music for a New York production of Tennessee Williams' "Tiger Tail" starring Shae D'Lynn (Jane on "Dharma and Greg" and directed by Harry Mastrogeorge ("Mary Tyler Moore Show", "Hart to Hart", "Miami Vice").

"Music that is at once rich with rhythm and funk, yet soothing to the ears and soul... She has absorbed the styles of a range of blues, jazz, rock and Appalachian singers...She succeeds in such diversity because of a truly personal style."
-SUNSTORM

"This modern folksinger, guitarist and songwriter has a great look, wonderful attitude, talent and schtick... A solid singer and songwriter who obviously loves her craft...a true and honest performer."
-GOOD TIMES