Reviewed by Pippa Rimmer

It seems that Deryn Edwards is a bit of a veteran when it comes to music. The Sally Army lass trained classically in opera at the Royal Academy of Music, has worked with big names like Cleo Lane, Stephane Grapelli and John Dankworth. Plus, she spent six years with the Swingle Sisters. The result on 'Arms Of Love' is Glyndebourne meets Manhattan Transfer! Deryn warbles her way through several classics which are given creative arrangements. "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" gets the male voice choir treatment with Deryn leading the throng. I recognised the tune as an old Welsh hymn we used to sing in school! Those were the days... Erm, the opening track, "Let It Shine", is a medley of negro spirituals where Deryn gets to show off her vocal talent - the girl can sing! The do-wop "Rejoice" had me clamouring for the cotton wool! Maybe I'm just not used to acapella jazz harmonies! Muso anoraks will not fail to notice Ben Castle on tenor sax on "Draw Me Nearer" (the song's only redeeming feature!). The title track, I was surprised to find, is a golden oldie by songmaestros Gary Chapman, Michael W Smith and Amy Grant. In this case, Deryn is accompanied by a sensitive piano which complements her piercing voice. But her voice doesn't sit comfortably on the more boppy stuff. Crossing over from opera to more pedestrian genres of music isn't always easy. Technically, Deryn has all the vocal qualities of an opera diva, but seems lacking in the feeling I'm sure she's capable of. If she'd loosen up, really go for it, be soulful and show some passion, the result would be a much more laid-back, accessible sound.

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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