Album Notes

Lily Neill was awarded LiveIreland.com's 2006 Female New Artist of the Year award. She is recognized as "[...] part of the new Harp revolution extolling aspects of harp music never previously heard" (Irish Music Magazine) and released her debut solo CD, "Without Words" in 2004.

"Without Words" is a fresh interpretation of the harp, featuring Irish and Scottish Traditional music and modern compositions along with Neill's own original music. Lily’s use of instruments as diverse as the Japanese Koto and Jushichigen, Electric Bass and Guitar, the Irish Bodhrán and others have contributed to the uniqueness of “Without Words.” The album has received acclaim from Europe to America, with Gert-Ove Fridlund, of Sweden's "Hallandsposten," giving it a 4 out of 5 and calling it "[...] a thrilling musical journey" and the Irish Edition's Jamie O'Brien writing, "This is harp in its fullest, harp at its best." Paddy Moloney, of The Chieftains, said, "I got a copy and was just amazed [...] I knew she had tremendous promise."

Neill is influenced by an enormous variety of styles, from Rock to Classical to the Eastern music traditions. She immersed herself in the Irish tradition at a young age, developing a style from session playing and utilizing the techniques particular to instruments other than her own. Her interpretations are inspired by her experiences working with artists from many different genres and backgrounds. From this has emerged a style of playing that is a reflection of her many influences and which continues to evolve.

"...an invigorating debut which hints at both an active imagination coupled with a rock steady compositional hand - worth investigating." - John O'Regan, Irish Music Magazine

"A shared universal sonic gene comes through her fingers as if the music inside her is truly ancestral." - Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, November 2006

"A lot of this album is straight ahead traditional, and it is beautifully played. There are also points where she almost re-invents the harp and what it can do [...] If you really love harp - and there are millions who do, this would be a must-have addition. This woman can play!" Rating: Four Harps. - Bill Margeson, LiveIreland.com

"[...] this music goes far beyond simply artistry of execution and aesthetics, for it reaches out and entices you into Lily Neill's world [...] I will say with confidence hearing this CD that the possibilities are endless with Lily Neill. Beyond that words fail." - Art Ketchen, for Celtic Beat