"Every so often (rarely) you chance upon an artist whose work is evidently a class apart from all the others. Christina is one of those artists who deserve the world-wide recognition reserved for the few and select..." -review from the United Nations FAO CASA GAZETTE, Rome, Italy. "Christina Harrison is petite but probably has more voice and presence per cubic inch than anyone else on the planet..." -Ian Bruce, Scottish artist. Christina is a singer/songwriter from Glasgow, Scotland and has sung before live audiences most of her life. Before extending her music career to the USA she was the lead singer in both a traditional bluegrass and a jazz band in London. She received classical voice training from Bill Ibbotson, the pianist for the great conductor, Sir Malcolm Seargent and his orchestra and Isabel Bailey, the Opera star. She has received applause in dozens of cities internationally including, London where she appeared in musicals at the Westminster Central Hall and the famous Royal Albert Hall, London. Her repertoire is beautifully versatile featuring original, contemporary and traditional folk songs from Ireland, Scotland and America. Christina tours Europe and Canada and performs as a headliner at many major Celtic festivals in the USA. She is one of the few female soloists, and one of the favourite's on the Celtic circuit and has released 5 cds on her own label "Glenanne Music" label. In June 2000, she recorded her latest traditional Scottish cd, "Lassie Wi' The Lint-white Locks" in Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland with some of Scotland's finest and famed musicians; Marc Duff founder of Capercaille, Tony McManus, Iain Fraser, Ian Lowthian and Ian Bruce (producer). Previously she released her cd of originals, (many of which scored highly in the Billboard Song Contest, of 1999) "Someday I'm Going Home"; recorded and produced by Rich Adler at Suite 2000 in Nashville, with some of the world's finest backing musicians, including Eric Rigler who can be heard playing the Uilleann pipes on the soundtracks of Braveheart, Devil's Own and Titanic. Her superb voice can also be heard on radio internationally and on her earlier recordings, "Exiles", "Bonnie Scotland I Adore Thee", "Wee Folk Songs", and "Fragments." Favorable reviews of these recordings in publications like Dirty Linen (Baltimore) and Folk Roots (U.K.) and the support of a wide network of fans have enabled her to open for acts such as: THE CHIEFTAINS, CHERISH THE LADIES, CLANDESTINE, GENE VINCENT, CHARLIE BYRD and SEVEN NATIONS and she shares the stage with acts such as Frances Black, Delores Keanes, Natalie MacMaster, The Clancy Brothers, Sharon Shannon, Black 47 and Bonnie Rideout. REVIEWS: WEE FOLK SONGS WEE FOLK SONGS REVIEWS and LETTERS REVIEW by Kathy O'Connell WXPN KIDS CORNER "I am delighted to say nice things about Christina Harrison's "Wee Folk Songs." These soothing sounds work for all ages... from the youngest to stressed-out adult. Christina Harrison introduces kids to some of the lovely music she knew as a child, and reaches the child in each of us in the process. With well-known favorites like "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "The Unicorn," she breathes new, sweet-voiced life into them. My particular favorite is "My Hamburger Mooed At Me," which will delight even the most hard-hearted carnivore. I recommend this album highly to all." REVIEW: BONNIE RIDEOUT - Scottish Fiddler - Maggie's Music Dear Christina Harrison We wanted to write to you to express how wonderful your album is; "Wee Folk Songs." First let me say, speaking not only as a musician myself, but as a mother of three children from ages two to seven, that this album has offered me particular enjoyment. I feel somewhat of a connoisseur in this area of music now that I have had to sit t through literally hundreds of listenings of children's recordings, and I still do not get tired of hearing you. This is rare indeed! But the true test of a successful children's album is how it holds the attention of the wee folk. Your music is not too difficult for the kids to learn the words - even "Treacle, Toffee, Macaroni". My girls always dance to "Doon In Egilsay St., and all join in the mandatory animal sounds that pass the test of a truly enjoyable album. I am especially grateful that your tempos are not out of control, like so much music for kids today. Your choice of tunes is perfect, and I especially like the songs you wrote. I hope you continue to do more writing and I look forward to hearing more of your work. With gratitude for making our life sweeter. Sincerely, Bonnie Rideout, Adam, Clarice, and Molly. LETTERS FROM PARENTS Dear Ms. Harrison, Our life is so much richer because of your clear, simply loving voice. We don't go anywhere without it. We love the purely folk nature to these selections. They have touches our family. Please know how much you are a blessing to us. Warmly, Joe, Carol, Robbie & Ronnie Phipps Dear Christina I would just like to tell you how much my family is enjoying your "Wee Folk Songs" for children. It's about the BEST children's tape we have. Most children's tapes have the same songs on them, but yours are ones that are different and beautiful and happy. Your voice is beautiful to listen to. Sincerely, Catherine Campbell Dear Ms. Harrison, I saw your wonderful performance last year at the Boston Irish Festival and purchased several copies of "Wee Folk Songs" to give as gifts. I must tell you what a great hit your cassette has been with my favorite 'wee folks'. My niece, Tessie brought your tape to school for "show and tell". Her teacher promptly requested a copy of "Wee Folk Songs" for her classroom, which I was delighted to send her. You should hear them sing 'Mairzy Dotes". They've got it down perfectly! I also gave one of your tapes to a colleague's daughter. Both mother and daughter love the songs and music. My friend says that it is the ONLY children's tape she will allow her kids to play while she is driving her car! Of all the Christmas goodies I sent my brother's family, "Wee Folk Songs" was the only gift mentioned! That is why I want you to know how much your enchanting music has touched my friends and family. We are all eagerly awaiting your next children's tape! Sincerely, Gobnait Ui Cearbhaill RAMBLES - A CULTURAL ARTS MAGAZINE ON THE WEB Christina Harrison's Wee Folk Songs is a cheery mix of the sweet, the silly and the strange with strong appeal for a range of ages. Harrison's lilting Scottish-accented voice is well-suited to her choices, and the simple accompaniments allow her voice to shine. Some of the songs will be familiar to many listeners, such as "Puff the Magic Dragon," "The Unicorn" and "Mairzy Dotes." Others may be new to U.S. listeners, but they are immediately engaging, such as the swinging waltz tempo of "Doon in Egilsay Street" or the ludicrously funny "Skyscraper Wean." In this one, the "wean" (a child) complains that since moving to a skyscraper, she's had to miss a meal each day, since the "pieces" (piece of bread with something on it) that her mother flings her from the 19th floor while she's outdoors playing never reach her. Some children may need to have it explained, but once the idea of piece-flinging is clarified, the song is giggle-inducing. Don't be surprised if your own wean starts demanding a "piece with jeely" after listening to the song a few times. "Red Yo-yo" is equally silly, with an infectious melody and an oom-pa-pa beat supporting the lyrics about a global search for a lost red yo-yo. "My Hamburger Mooed at Me" is a quirky song with a bouncy melody about a most unusual picnic. "Teddy's Song," about a child's exploration of the house at night and the mischief s/he attributes to "Teddy" might raise an eyebrow when Teddy gets into Daddy's beer. Still, the child's exploits are more likely just to strike a chord in the memories of parents -- and grandparents. Harrison closes the CD with a traditional lullaby, "October Winds," and the sweet, haunting melody is a perfect finish. Harrison accompanies herself on acoustic guitar with Roger Hollman on electric guitar and special effects and Robert C. Clifton on keyboards. A glossary clues listeners in to unfamiliar words, and the liner notes include all lyrics. Overall the CD is a delight -- the dozen tracks, which include a recitation of Walter de la Mare's "Someone," are all appealing and varied, and Harrison's voice is enviably lovely. Wee Folk Songs is a treat for the wee and not-so-wee ones alike.[ by Donna Scanlon ]Rambles: 1 September 2001