As many of you are aware, my album covers and every promotional photo I have ever used in my career have been taken by photographer Irene Young. If you browse the credits on many of the independent albums in your own collections, you will probably find her name. Besides being an amazing photographer, Irene Young is also a dear friend.

Three years ago Irene was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is a survivor and is doing well. As always in Irene's life, music was comfort and refuge in her recovery. And, true to Irene's generosity of spirit, she wanted not only to share the music with other women going through recovery but also make a financial contribution to ongoing support for women with breast cancer. Irene asked women songwriters that she has photographed through the years to participate in this project and without hesitation there was a resounding YES!

Glass Half Full
23 Women Musicians with Extraordinary Songs of Comfort and Hope

Mary Black, Laura Nyro, Barbara Higbie, Anne Hills, Cris Williamson, Suzanne Vega, Christine Lavin, Suzzy & Maggie Roche, Holly Near, Jennifer Berezan, Patty Larkin, Jennifer Cutting, Grace Griffith, Freyda Epstein, Sheilah Glover, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, Laurie Lewis, Deidre McCalla, Mae Robertson, Chris Webster, Ilene Weiss.

I am honored to be included among the body of extraordinary work collected on this exquisitely packaged CD. I will have copies for sale at my shows but in the meantime I encourage you to visit the Glass Half Full web site and check it out for yourself. There is detailed information on the project, the causes its sale supports, the artists involved along with song clips, and, naturally, links to purchase the cd. The songs have been selected for their messages of strength, comfort, resolution, and empowerment.

All the artists have donated the music tracks and receive no financial remuneration for what we know will be a tremendous success. $2 per CD will be donated in equal parts to the Breast Cancer Fund and SHARE, two vital prevention, awareness and support organizations.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month but really, Glass Half Full is a gift that transcends the calendar. In times of great need, words often fail us but music reaches beyond the self and heals an inner core. Please share this long, cool drink of hope with someone you love.