Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

Ann Nesby, formerly lead vocalist with Sounds Of Blackness, has, it seems, a secret identity! No caped crusader though, instead "mild mannered" Nesby claims her Lula Lee persona represents "the edgier side of who I am musically and personally." After significant success with the Jam & Lewis-mentored Sounds Of Blackness, Nesby launched her solo career in 1996 and 'The Lula Lee Project' is her third traditional gospel album after 'Make Me Better' and 'In The Spirit', but it would be a gross error to pigeonhole her. Indeed, Nesby's impressive mainstream career, which includes numerous Grammy nominations across various genres since 2000, affords her the experience of a deft touch whether tackling gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, hip-hop or dance/pop. Nesby states that the driving force behind this latest project was a call to remind listeners that "God is still in control" despite local, national or global uncertainty and upheaval. Indeed, opener "I Found A Place" speaks of a place of stillness in prayer despite surrounding storms, and "Higher" invites the Lord to reach down into our difficult circumstances and lift us up. High calibre "backroom staff" of the likes of Herb Middleton (SWV, Faith Evans, Mary J Blige), Debra Killings (TLC) and Tonex ensure that the sounds are top notch throughout, though at times one imagines the simplest option would be just to sit back in the producer's chair and let Ann Nesby fly! Powerful voice, powerful sound, powerful sentiments. Superb.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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