STYLE: Jazz RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 12665-1965 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Elizabeth Cook
'In Between' is Polish singer/songwriter Ola Gwozdz's first entirely English album. Recorded independently by Paul Williams, this 10 track jazz album is about Ola's personal experiences. Lyrically summed up by the 23 year old in the first line of "Redeemer," 'In Between' is about "My God great love, flows from your heart." Brought up in a large musical family, Ola has used her talents to praise God, since becoming a Christian at the age of 14. However, the chance to record an English album only come about through a chance meeting with Paul in 1997, and a subsequent meeting when the singer came to study in the UK in 2003/2004. Said the singer on her website: "Paul is a great friend and producer. He translated everything that was in my mind and heart into a language of chords and sounds, showing his great understanding of music and myself." Although this album offers a wide selection of musical styles, from mellow ballads in "Found Love" to funky jazz in "Ask", it remains rather unfocussed. It's hard to knock an album that is the fulfilment of someone's dream, but on this occasion, although a distinctive voice, I didn't find Ola's vocals are strong enough to carry the project through.
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