Reviewed by Paul Poulton

The low contralto voice of California-based Jacquelene sounds at times not unlike Gladys Knight, but be assured there are no Pips here. The arrangements are stripped right back, and though there may be a bleak beauty, the sound is raw and kind of loose. It's not tight funky jazz, more very late night chill-out worship. The California-based singer also has a tonal quality similar to Helen Baylor with her contralto going as low as female voices go. But though Jacquelene has a lot of potential, it's not realised here. The material tends to sag after a while and needs pinning up with some brighter tunes. The middle ground is left wanting, needing something to fill it. A move in Café Del Mar's direction would help bring out the best that she has to offer.

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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