Reviewed by Alan & Angeline Chesters

The list of this Danish lady's talents and influence is formidable - singer, composer, arranger, conductor, choir leader, voice teacher and workshops leader, as well as kinesiologist and deep tissue masseuse. Having worked with the Little Gospel Choir, the Little Bigger Gospel Choir, her own quartet and as a duo with Susi Hyldgaard on keyboards, some of these friends contribute to her finally honing her debut solo album into a unique experience of jazz-influenced gospel. Her lyrics are constantly upbeat, epitomised in “Jessica”, a track encouraging the overcoming of child abuse. Two songs of the 10 are not written by Manuela, as she includes the spiritual “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child” and takes Lennon/McCartney's “Let It Be” into new ground. It would not be surprising for a track to receive radio play or even enter the mainstream.

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