Reviewed by Dustin Helgeson

Lancashire-based singer/songwriter and pianist Nicola Joy took a chance at recording a seven-song mini album and what we get is a taste of an artist who has potential. Jazzy piano and composition is a great medium here for Nicola’s voice and message. First track “Different” caught my jazz ear, with verses that speak of the things that fail: “This is the real world/Everything changes but you,” and a biblically based chorus proclaims: “You are my rock that I stand upon/My friend that I lean upon/My refuge and tower of strength”. The rest of this project is full of similar messages of God’s faithfulness and goodness. “May The Peace” is a Celtic blessing put to beautiful music by Nicola. “Grow” is a ballad which intensifies into a great climactic finish. A better recording would make this song soar. That is the same diagnosis of all the songs on ‘Songs Of A Growing Girl’. This is demo quality recording, but does enough to show what Nicola Joy could do.

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