"Pick the Apple From the Tree" -- all original music by Francesca -- showcases vocal harmonies, electric guitar, bass, violin, oud (middle eastern lute) and percussion. Percussion includes trap set, conga, darbuka, and zils (middle eastern finger cymbals.)

This new-folk/pop-folk collection shows a wide range of influences; an acappela song draws on Scotland's soft, sad ballads, yet a full tilt rock tune is included. Celtic fiddling adds charm to the samba "Pick the Apple From the Tree" -- a witty, wry blend. De Grandis plays complex zil rhythms to one of her Celt influenced songs! While the predominant influences are blues, jazz, and Celtic music, other influences appear, for instance the clear echo of Appalachian ballads in "My Father's Eyes." Each song is a unique gem, different from the last, and De Grandis delights listeners by her relaxed expertise in each genre: her "Darling, I Want You", a straight ahead jazz-blues, smokily reflects Francesca's years as a cabaret artist, making you want to sit back with a scotch n' soda and sigh with relief. Bruce Smith, who worked with Stan Getz and Ricky Lee Jones, brings his own distinctive richness to Francesca's music.

De Grandis capitalizes on her wide range of musical experience through the album's ever-changing moods and topics, moving from seduction to raucous comedy, from pagan revelry to quiet revelation. She shapeshifts with commitment and heart, and we recognize ourselves in every song.

Francesca De Grandis, at age fourteen, played professionally in the Boston area folk scene, where she developed her love of traditional American folk and Celtic music. She expanded her repertoire to include jazz and blues when, as an adult cabaret artist, she played top clubs. Gaining acclaim from critics who wanted more of her original tunes, De Grandis obliged with originality and wit. After leaving the music business for a contemplative life as a shaman, she discovered that music was part of her spirituality. Thank whatever Goddess Francesca worships that she's left her hermit's cave for a while: Francesca's uncommon life adventure, a diverse and far reaching exploration, is all brought together and mirrored in the musical and mystical journey of Pick the Apple from the Tree. Her book, Be a Goddess!: A Guide to Celtic Spells and Wisdom for Self-Healing, Prosperity, and Great Sex (HarperSanFrancisco), was published Feb. 14, 1998, and is based on her years of teaching Celtic shamanism. Be a Goddess! is available in the U.S., Britain, and Australia, and after three months in stores, its fourth printing is planned.

De Grandis says: "Through song I walk between the stars, fill belly and soul, make love to God. The Goddess loves me, Her vagabond shaman, bardic brat. My veins run with Fey mischief. In the primeval garden, stands the tree of life. Innocent white pulp hides dark seeds of immortality. Be a spiritual outlaw: cleaves to high ethics andpick the apple from the tree."