Sylvia Herold is a singer’s singer. At home in folk, swing and Celtic genres, her passion is discovering and sharing the tale a song can tell. Her gift is in presenting songs with a clarity that is both honest and uplifting and yet remains refreshingly unvarnished. Her work in researching, performing and recording compelling songs for more than 25 years has earned her accolades from fans and critics alike. In each of the recordings, Herold’s style is distinct and identifiable: unaffected vocals married with spare instrumentation that provides unobtrusive support to appealing melodies and the stories they carry. “Songs are intriguing packages to be learned and sung. I find endless pleasure in examining them from different angles searching for hidden treasures.” Traditional Irish/British music was Sylvia's first love, and"A Bowl of Crystal Tears" (her first solo album) reflects that affection. In the hotbed of San Francisco's music scene, she met and found work playing with many talented Irish musicians. Her most consistent companion on the Irish music scene has been mandolinist and singer Marla Fibish; the well-partnered duo performed at the landmark Plough and Stars pub for 13 years."A Bowl of Crystal Tears" is, in turns, poignant, hopeful and hilarious, and its songs lay bare the emotions of the stories' protagonists. All songs are traditional Irish, English, Scottish and American, save"The Widow's Promise," an artful and amusing tale about female sexuality written by Mick Ryan.