Mary Black has produced a third compilation featuring women artists inspired by the music of the Isles. This welcome 2002 CD, coming 10 years after the first, continues the celebration with 18 different artists or groups.

There's a difference in the approach this time; in addition to Irish artists, included here are Americans Eva Cassidy, Alison Krauss, and Dolly Parton and Australian Marcia Howard. No, it's not just contemporary artists doing old Irish classics. Many of the songs are from the artists' recent CD's and yet, the Celtic connection is obvious. For example, Dolly Parton's contribution, In the Sweet By and By, is from her Little Sparrow CD which explored her bluegrass roots, and with help from Altan, the sound is appropriate for either continent.

The theme is not so much a woman's outlook (words by men such as Dylan, Sting, Pete Seeger, Paddy Maloney and William Blake), but rather, as the title suggests, the heart-felt delivery of these women. Sinead O'Connor's opener, This Is To Mother You, features an intensely emotional offer of love. But then it's followed by the Corrs with The Chieftains, in the upbeat I Know My Love, though the subject matter is a roving lover.

Dolores Keane and Tommy Sands share vocals on Where Have All the Flowers Gone? Now you may not think you need another version of this song, but this may be the best interpretation you've ever heard. It's slow and haunting; the sadness in their voices at a world gone wrong is compelling.

Alison Krauss is the ubiquitous compilation artist, and here she is again. It must be that her music draws from so many traditions that she fits in almost everywhere!

There is no filler on this CD. Of course the big names catch your attention, but if you've never heard of Juliet Turner or Cara Dillon, you will enjoy this introduction.

Woman's Heart-A Decade On