A little bit blues, a little bit jazz and a whole lot of feeling, captured in a voice that blends bell-like clarity with a smoky wistfulness. That's the sound of singer-songwriter-guitarist Fran Aiken whose voice was once described by Richie Havens as being able to "...bring the sun in the mornings and set it many an evening ...A necessary experience." Never has her voice been on better display than in her first solo CD Here's To You.

In an era of crossover music, singer-songwriter-guitarist, Fran Aiken's music combines the blues, jazz and traditional folk music in a unique blend. Her new CD captures the essence of Canadian song writing, mixing her own compositions with those of Peter Pagé, Bill Horan and other gifted composers. Fran's intimate vocals and guitar are backed by Bill Gossage on bass, Frank Lozano on sax, John McColgan on drums, Mike Cartile on trumpet and flugelhorn, Dave Clarke on guitar, and others. Bill Garrett produced the album.

Fran Aiken's music career began in the folk clubs of Montreal and echos of that time can be found in The Cuckoo and in the witty and appropriately named Nostalgia. Fran has had a variety of musical experiences, from Children's Theater to playing bass for Quebec artist Tex Lecor. She has toured as a soloist and with the trio "Montreal." Montreal's album "A Summer's Night" produced by Ritchie Havens combined "free feeling music with imaginative lyrics".. "tasteful jazz"..Variety. Fran's sound is ever evolving; a hint of Latin in This Is All There Is , the jazz sounds of Simple Melody. In her performance themes of love and friendship prevail.

The mood is set on the CD cover where a delicate mysterious package opens to reveal a treasure chest of songs. The compositions Fran has written and chosen for this CD are elegant and simple arrangements, underscored by a strong, rhythmic sense, yet full of longing and aching feeling. Afterglow will haunt you long after the music has moved on.

"There's a thumbprint in every voice," Fran notes, and her mark can be strongly felt in what Variety called her "sensitive vocal styling." Kick back, listen and let that thumbprint press deep into your soul.