Maura has always been singing, growing up in Ireland, where she tapped into the vast treasury of soulful folk songs, which she absorbed by osmosis. When interviewed as her fame slowly grew, they would ask "Why don't you play an instrument, why don't you write?" Her stock answer was, "Yeah, I'm just a singer." She says that "Naked with Friends" has been following her around for a very long time, and her friends include Aine Derrane, Sarah Dugas, Liam Bradley, Paul Brady, Alison Krauss, Tim O'Brien, Dolly Parton, Kate Rusby and Darrell Scott. Some favorites among these 13 haunting cuts are Jimmy McCarthy's "The Bright Blue Rose," Cheryl Wheeler's "Arrow," Rhonda Jo Fleming & Janis Ian's "Some People's Lives," "Ae Fond Kiss," traditional tunes "The Blacksmith," "Anach Cuain" and "I Know My Love," Joan Armatrading's poignant "Weakness in Me," Darrell Scott's "This Beggar's Heart" and Holly Near's "Hay Una Mujer Desapercida." There's no vocal percussion here, just singing and sweet harmonies that move you and touch your heart. A powerful, impressive collection of friends, and songs, from Maura O'Connell!