Sing Out Vol. 51 #1 Page 152

With a name like this and a front cover that features her in a pink party dress… well, I made some assumptions. I couldn’t have been more wrong. This soulful collection of songs from a talented Canadian musician and writer has the feel of classic R&B but with a modern singer-songwriter’s sensibility. Brilliantly produced, her top-notch band adds all the right touches with acoustic and electric guitars (she plays some of the guitar), keyboards, bass, drums, cello and lush but not overdone harmony vocals. Her voice is understated in a Nora Jones kinda way but more expressive. Even when it isn’t the topic, her voice adds a sensuality that makes you want to turn down the lights and invite that special someone over. After you’ve done that, be sure to put on “For Just One Night.” With its great percussive groove and moving lyrics, it’ll remind you of classic Motown. Follow that with the jazzy “Sugar.” With lines like “Stay for the pleasure of my company,” how could you go wrong? “Circle Circle” starts with a beautiful chant-like vocal and segues into something more contemporary sounding with pedal steel and keyboards. It has a spiritual feel as does “There Is a Light,” with hopeful lyrics accompanied with just a hint of organ and delicately plucked bass or cello that aches with emotion. Put on your groove thing for “Love Song” because there’s a great funk bass line and spurts of a hip Hammond organ. “She’s Beautiful” is much different, a ballad that beautifully features the airy upper register of her voice. In one song she sings “ I’m not your ordinary sort of happy girl.” Ain’t that a fact. Highly recommended.

-JA