\"The recording deals with themes that are by and large tragic; unrequited loved, separation, death, madness and revenge. These are the types of song that I love the most. For one thing, many of them are very old, yet they are always relevant. To me they suggest that previous generations were capable of a frank understanding of the human condition, and that the type of suffering that one experiences crosses cultural and generational divides. I guess they make me feel a certain comforting empathy with my forbears.\" - EN “A very powerful recording -- beautiful voice, nice harp playing...you might want to check it out....“ Rich Warren, “The Midnight Special” (WFMT, Chicago) “Sink or Swim” is an album of traditional and tradition-inspired original music by Northwest harpist/singer Elizabeth Nicholson. In the short time since the recording’s release in the fall of 2006, it has garnered international airplay and widespread praise: The album has been featured on Fiona Ritchie’s “Thistlepod” (a bi-monthly offshoot of the popular NPR program the “Thistle and Shamrock”), which is devoted to outstanding new Celtic releases; it has been chosen as a “pick hit” on Rich Warren’s iconic folk music program “The Midnight Special;” and was named “Folk Album of the Month” by KUNI (Iowa Public Radio/NPR). The album is a brooding collection of songs and tunes, which encompass elements of traditional Irish, Scottish, English, and American music. Arrangements vary in complexity; some are unadorned, such as the gentle harp air \"The Sandpiper,\" while others – such as Elizabeth’s bluesy rendition of the popular Irish ballad “Black is the Color” -- are elaborately layered. Some tracks fall squarely into the Celtic music category: For example, the “Tailchaser’s Jig” is reminiscent of the early recordings of the Chieftains, while the immigration song “John Badger” recalls the work of traditional singer and songwriter Kate Rusby. Other tracks, including the Appalachian ballad “The House Carpenter” and the mournful original song “Seven Seas,” reveal a distinctly American folk flavor. Elizabeth’s vocals have borne comparisons to Karan Casey (of Solas) and Triona Ni Dhomhnaill (of the Both Band), while her harp playing reveals the influence of Irish harp greats Derek Bell and Grainne Hambly, as well as her own teacher Liz Cifani. “Sink or Swim” also features some of the finest traditional musicians in the Northwest, including Rob Barrick (highland pipes, base, percussion); Jen Bernard (vocals); Jim Chapman (whistles, bouzouki); Brongaene Griffin (fiddle); Eddie Parente (fiddle, viola), Joe Root (accordion); and Bob Soper (vocals, mandola, fiddle, percussion). Elizabeth Nicholson is a Portland, OR based performer with a background in both folk and classical harp (as well as voice, piano, and guitar), and a particular focus on Irish traditional music. A frequent club, ceili (Irish traditional dance), and festival performer, Elizabeth effectively disproves the notion that the Celtic harp is just a genteel parlor instrument. For more information, tour dates, or just to say hello, please visit Elizabeth\'s webpage at www.elizabethnicholson.com.