This 1990 CD was Ruth Barrett's first solo recording. Parthenogenesis, is a stunning exploration of Goddess music that won an INDIE Award from the National Association of Independent Record Distributors in the category of Women's music. Ruth Barrett is joined by musicians Kay Gardner, Cyntia Smith, Caroline Waters, Su Livingston and Scott Fraser. The term “Parthenogenesis” metaphorically describes the process of a woman creating her Self by opening to her own ability to define her self apart from the patriarchal mythos. Ruth Barrett’s CD PARTHENOGENESIS is a collection of original songs of powerful woman-identified imagery. These images are expressed in a unique blending of modern synthesized sounds and traditional acoustic instruments. Ruth Barrett is an award-winning fretted dulcimer recording artist and singer whose works have been among the pioneering musical works in the Goddess Spirituality Movement. REVIEWS: "Ruth Barrett's new recording, Parthenogenesis, sent chills up my spine. It is the most powerful and woman-affirming album I've heard in years! Ruth Barrett is truly the musician/priestess to lead us through the 90's and into the next century. This is a must for anyone who believes in the political power of women's spirituality." ~Kay Gardner, Composer and Author "This is Goddess music, woman-identified and full of the wild, fully alive, transformative energies of a soul breaking free of slavery. Whether a lament, ballad, or call to power, these songs brim with emotion and fierce joy. Parthenogensis demands and deserves close listening; these are not catchy tunes, but rather illuminations of poetry with expressive music." ~Heartsong Review " ... astonishing voice and world-class dulcimer playing ... the subject matter is uncompromisingly woman-identified and 'My Sister's Eyes' is a gem. Ruth Barrett is an artist who can be counted on to deliver complex and beautiful music. Parthenogensis is a work of creativity and power." ~Gay Community News "Emotionally subtle, yet politically powerful, Parthenogenesis radically affirms women and attains a peaceful, vibrational fullness that can be characterized as a meditational reality. It is a captivating, affirming, and delightfully expansive recording." ~New Directions for Women " ... this recording will send you into another world. Playing more like a musical theater piece than a collection of songs, Parthenogenesis is a complete work from beginning to end with powerful songs you will want to play again and again until you have them all memorized ... a recording that honors women, the Goddess, and all She stands for, including the process of self-birthing. Self-birthing is clearly what Ruth has done in this deeply moving piece of musical work." ~The Green Egg