Classical technique is combined with poetic lyricism by New York-based multi-instrumentalist and singer Jane Byaela. Her ability to weave orchestral textures with her guitar and viola made her one of the most promising newcomers to the Greenwich Village folk scene. The daughter of viola and violin players and the sister of a classically trained singer, Byaela has been drawn to music since early childhood. Studying the violin with her mother from the age of six, she composed her first tune within four years. By the age of 11, she had begun to teach herself to play classical guitar. Byaela's debut album, On the Edge, made her a favorite of folk radio programmers in Boston and New York. Her second effort, Burning Silver, was produced by David Seitz -- who previously produced/engineered albums for Dar Williams, Suzanne Vega, Michelle Shocked, and Richard Shindell -- enabled her to reach a much larger audience. With the album's growing popularity in Europe, Byaela has toured Germany, Switzerland, and France. ~ Craig Harris