Kathye Long’s latest CD is a homecoming.

“I was going to name it ‘It’s Time to Go Home,’” Long said after the fifth track on the release, but instead settled on “Northwestern Girl.” “It’s about home, going toward one, longing for the one you never had.”

The well-known local singer, songwriter, performer and musician is hosting a release party at 7 p.m. Friday at Enumclaw Music, 1515 Cole St., where she is best known as a guitar instructor.

“Northwestern Girl” is Long’s fourth CD and is filled with the folk music her fans have come to expect.

“It’s all original material,” Long said.

Eleven of the 14 songs Long wrote in 2010, the other three were written since her last release, “Check Please” in 2006.

Through the years, she has performed in duos, trios, bands and orchestras. This album is no different. Joining Long on the CD are several local musicians – Claire Wesley on recorder; Hans Nelson, cello; Barbara Collins, violin; Mark Iler, blues harp;  Melody Funk, bass; and Matt Jerrell, drums. Two of the songs are instrumental with June Waltz, a guitar/violin duet and Matryoshka, a guitar solo.

Some of those artists will join Long to perform during Friday’s release party.

“I’m really proud of how its mixed and balanced,” Long said, giving a nod to recording engineer Rob Folson.

Long would really like this CD to launch other ventures. She plans to make them available by download on her website www.kathyelong.com and she’d also like to see her work covered or used as theme music for commercial enterprises.

CDs will be available at the release party for $15, purchased through the mail at P.O. Box 705, Enumclaw, 98022, or at performances.