Sara Daniels  -  Singer Songwriter

Lightly on My Heart heralds Sara’s return to the music scene, after a break from performing during which she has produced a wealth of material.

Eight of the twelve tracks on this beautifully recorded CD are her compositions. Her twenty-five years experience singing and performing in the English and Irish folk genre are embedded in her contemporary songs.

Her guitar accompaniment in later years suits and compliments the newer material, while her fine unaccompanied singing in the Irish tradition remains an important part of her performance repertoire.

Two of her previous compositions, Bramble Thorn and Orcadian Dream are sung by singers in the folk tradition and have been recorded in the UK and Ireland. Irish singer, Niamh Parsons, recorded Bramble Thorn on her CD Hearts Desire and accordion player Luke Daniels accompanied the song on Broderick’s CD Kissing Fishes when the singer, Aravata, recorded with them. Karine Polwart has included Bramble Thorn in her song workshops. The Scottish duo, Lucy Pringle and Chris Wright also sing this sensitive anti-war song and can be heard on their MySpace.

Orcadian Dream has entered the folk scene with the singing of Jo Philby from Orkney, and Hilary Ward, who include this descriptive song in their performances.

Where Are You Bound For, a poignant song written by Sara relating to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was chosen to be part of an archive in America commemorating Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday celebrations in 2009.

Lightly on My Heart is a rare opportunity to hear Sara singing her own songs at her best, to the accompaniment and support of many brilliant singers and musicians. Several of the songs address issues concerning relationships and love, either tongue in cheek (Stolen Time and Brightest Star), or on a deeper conflicting level (Thought of You or Forget Your Promise). Whilst others acknowledge the wide variety of emotions experienced in the course of true love, including loss of love and the positive attitude to recovery, as in Lightly On My Heart and Healing Powers.

Sara’s performances in the past have ranged from supporting De Dannan and The Dubliners through teaching song and performing at Whitby and Broadstairs Folk Festivals, to song sessions at Orkney Festival, UK folk clubs and festivals and sessions in the south of England and Ireland.

Sara is Berkshire based. She plays Anglo concertina and guitar and regularly sings and plays at local folk clubs and sessions. She is currently studying English Studies at Ruskin, Oxford. Her previous recordings are Bushes and Briars (1989), with the band Arde Berkshire, Celtic Clasp (1993), ten self composed songs accompanied by guitarist Pippa Jones, Au Natural (2000), unaccompanied singing and tunes played on anglo concertina and a single track CD Orcadian Dream.

If you would like to book Sara Daniels to perform at your folk club, festival, arts venue, or other event, please contact her...