In My Prime

In the pantheon of fine female folk singers, a handful stand out.

Sandy Denny, June Tabor and Pentangle's Jacqui McShee have been flagbearers for more than a few generations. And their circle can now be widened to include Niamh Parsons, a singer who has quietly carved a reputation for herself throughout the singing clubs of Dublin and well beyond.

In My Prime, her second album, possesses power and panache, a reflection of Parsons' increasing assurance in her own abilities.

Those vocal cords are still content to do the work, letting the accompaniment tiptoe hither and yon with the lightest of touches. And the collection of songs is an eclectic reminder of what magnificent material can be found throughout these isles.

'Annan Waters' is a poignant acapella tribute to the man whom Parsons first heard sing it in Ballyvaughan. The title track is a haunting English folk song, harvested from an old Pentangle album, with Niamh joined by her sister, Anne, on lead vocals. Nothing more than a drone is needed to underscore the piquant lyric.

Elsewhere the arrangements are more lavish, though never overwhelming. 'Here Johnny' has a rake of fine sounds gathered round: stalwart Graham Dunne's guitar sidles alongside Siobhán People's rakish fiddle, Paul Kelly's mandolin, Josephine Marsh's accordion and an assortment of subtle flourishes.

Chances are this album will become a backbone for aspiring singers in search of meaty additions to their repertoire. 'Orphan's Wedding' is one such find. An Andy M. Stewart song, it's a compelling tale of mistaken identity and stymied love, made all the more remarkable by Parsons' restrained and unsentimental delivery. Add to that the Larry Adler-esque harmonica of Mick Kinsella, and you've got a real killer application.

Born out of a respect for her audience, culled from years of experience in the singing clubs of Dublin, Parsons' talent sits so comfortably with her that there's simply no room for artifice.

The result is In My Prime - a peerless gem.