One of the most influential - and most imitated - voices in folk music, Karan Casey is a natural innovator. It's hard to find anyone who follows Irish or American folk music who has not fallen in love with her distinctive voice, as fragile as it is fierce (the Washington Post calls her 'the Irish equivalent of Emmylou Harris').

More than a decade ago American audiences were introduced to Casey fronting the Irish 'supergroup' Solas. Following their groundbreaking early releases Casey struck out on her own. That decision was based on an independent spirit determined to control her touring schedule and committed to maintaining a family life. That family has now grown (her second child, Áine, was born in May of 2006) as has her solo discography. Her most recent release is 2005's 'Chasing the Sun'.

As well as touring constantly throughout North America and Europe with her own band, Karan has been involved in many other varied projects and collaborations. A frequent guest on Garrison Keillor's 'A Prairie Home Companion', Casey joined their December 2006 broadcasts from New York's Town Hall. Last year also saw her spotlighted on the Solas 'Reunion' CD, and as a guest vocalist for another well-known Irish group, Lunasa, as well as joining Peggy Seeger in a special 'Songs of Conscience' program at Glasgow's Celtic Connections Festival. Most recently she has been performing with the legendary Liam Clancy and was involved in a DVD project in New York with Mick Moloney and Paul Wagner.

Casey's repertoire, once largely confined to Irish traditional music, has expanded over the years and she now feels confident singing the most modern material, as well as crafting her own compositions. In all her musical choices, however, listeners will inevitably find the common themes of independence, resilience and concern for social justice.