Recorded at Piano Haven Studio, Seattle, WA on a Kawai RX-7 pianoProduced by Mary Lydia Ryan ~ Engineered and Mastered * by Joe BongiornoPhotos by Jason Moodie ~ Cover art and design by Gary Lee ParkerContact: mary@marylydiaryan.orgwww.marylydiaryan.orgThis recording was made with tremendous amounts of love. I extend my sincere thanks to Nick for the endless smiles and laughter throughout this adventure; to Cien and Aris: more thanks for the smiles and laughter; to my sisters: for their listening ears and tender hearts. This record is dedicated to my dear, sweet Danny - in my heart forever.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mary's musical roots must have grown well before she was born."There is no recollection of life without playing and singing," Mary claims."My first memories are of sitting at the piano figuring out how to play songs I loved from the radio."Mary's first public singing performance was at two and a half years in front of the congregation at her family's church. Her early performance years were shared with two older sisters and often an older brother presenting original variety shows their Mother had composed and scripted. Their act was booked at community events in her hometown and neighboring areas.As Mary grew, she began composing her own material though liked to keep a low profile. Her music possessed the dark and somber quality she has been known for even from her earliest compositions. Her Mother seemed troubled by lyrics she would find lying around. And often the somber quality of her original songs were not well-received.Combining her knowledge from classical piano and vocal training with what came musically naturally to Mary, she did find her wings and the ability to soar with them.Since her self-titled release in 1996, her 1999"Diaphanous" album and public appearances, tours, festivals, coffee shops and many house concerts later, personal circumstance has played a pivotal role in Mary's retreat from public performance.Taking flight once again, Mary's release of Sunshine & Second Chances is a highlight of her favorite compositions spanning the decade since her"Diaphanous.""I have not ever discontinued writing. When I have made a flash public appearance, typically there has been a new song or two unveiled."Feeling more prolific and relaxed in her new atmosphere of personal life, Mary smiles her happiest smile as she states,"I'm really back with a renewed enthusiasm in my existence, my music, my desire to share and inspire. This latest recording project has been a sheer pleasure in letting go, breathing in, finding inner strength and joy."-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Ryan's voice is a lovely soprano instrument. Her songs have that mix of Victorian floral luxury and a post Kate Bush sense of drama that might remind you of Sarah McLachlan or Tori Amos. Wistful songs with occasional small surprises." Dan Maryon, Option Magazine"Ryan is elegant and graceful with a voice that rises to dizzying heights."Tom Scanlon, The Seattle Times"Ryan's voice is a velvet pleasure, her music an easy-listening collaboration of jazz and floral tones recalling memories of Kate Bush and Enya with a modern twist of all the usual female artist suspects: Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan and the like." Dan Larsen, SeattleInsider.com