Collie Ryan is a student of Theosophy who privately pressed three records in 1973. This project was funded by her friends at New Age Farms carrot and fresh juice company in Lompoc, California, and the records were distributed at shows at the Sun and Earth Health Food Store and Restaurant in Santa Barbara. The songs are primarily about the theosophist concepts of karma and reincarnation; they are lovely and subtle enough that most listeners rarely detect any sort of underlying meaning without having it pointed out first. Theosophy is more a philosophy than a religion, and you can find out more about it here.

Colllie Ryan's music is deceptively simple -- using nothing more than her high, birdlike voice and excellent acoustic guitar and occasional reverb & natural sound effects, she creates a tremendous, mystical atmosphere evoking the gypsy lifestyle. She completely dropped off the grid shortly after these records were made and today lives with nature and works as an artist, working mostly with hubcaps. You can view and purchase her remarkable artwork at the Kiowa Gallery, and she also accepts commissions. Here is a hubcap she did for me. It's based on her first album cover, The Giving Tree:

Collie also recorded a CD in 2001 called Letters From Home, which you can order by writing an email to her friend Bob Smith. One of her songs from Indian Harvest, 'Cricket,' was featured on the excellent Wayfaring Strangers: Ladies From The Canyon female folk compilation from the Numero Group. If you run a record label and are interested in reissuing Ms. Ryan's music, you should get in touch. She has recorded hundreds of songs and the little I've heard is just great.

The Giving Tree, Indian Harvest, and Takin' Your Turn 'Round the Corner of Day are some of the finest private folk albums ever made. I'm proud to say that I found and visited Ms. Ryan (no small feat). Working with her friend and archivist Tommie Zook, I'm offering the last remaining copies of these records, which were originally pressed in editions of 500 each, of which less than 40 full sets remain, with most of the proceeds going directly to the artist. Although these are flat, well-stored stock copies, the pressing was not perfect so please expect a little unavoidable surface noise. They are now $175 for the set, or $65 for individual copies, and these prices will continue to go up as supplies dwindle. Money orders (no checks please) should be made out to Collie Ryan, or you can paypal to me at my email address. Please for more details.