Responsible for managing his career, including his rather belated early-'90s breakthrough, the late Irish folk troubadour
Christie Hennessy
's daughter,
Hermione
, steps out from behind the scenes to pay tribute to her much-loved dad on her debut solo record,
Songs My Father Taught Me
. Previously a backing singer on his records, the classically trained pianist finally decided to take center stage following the wishes of her father, who drew up a list of songs he thought would be compatible with her lilting
Joni Mitchell
-esque tones, before his death in 2007. Produced by brother
Tim
with sister
Amber
on violin, the family affair suggests that the pair could have reversed their roles with considerable ease, as
's enchanting vocals glide their way through perfectly suited faithful covers of
Aimee Mann
's
Magnolia
finale, "Wise Up,"
Carole King
's "Way Over Yonder," and
Iris DeMent
's "When Love Was Young," alongside a driving rendition of
Crowded House
's "Fall at Your Feet," a bluesy take on
Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers
' gospel classic "Let Me Go Home," and a jazz-tinged interpretation of the popular hymn "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace." The somber piano chords, twinkling melodies, and subtle strings of the gentle, self-penned ballad "The Edge of the Moon," suggests
can add accomplished songwriter to her list of talents, but it's the three tracks plucked from
Christie
's back catalog, "Oh Jealous Heart" (from 1992's
The Rehearsal
), "Late at Night" (1996's
Box
), and "Soho Square" (2006's
Stories for Sale
), the latter of which features his unmistakable, timeless delivery on a heartfelt duet which understandably provides the most emotion. In other hands,
could have drowned in a sea of schmaltz, but thanks to its subtle arrangements and carefully selected songs, it's a fitting tribute to a sorely missed singer/songwriter. ~ Jon O'Brien