Reviewed by John Fisher

Helen J Hicks is an English singer/songwriter who has been compared, vocally and musically, to Joni Mitchell, and has clocked up a wealth of music experience, largely in the mainstream. There are hints of Carole King too. Helen's songwriting can be described as thoughtful and poetic and the 14 pieces on this CD blend styles ranging from pop and jazz to bluegrass and folk. As well as some skilfully crafted music there are two poems, "Leafing" and "Another Earth", the latter seemingly inspired by Helen's time spent living in Kenya. Ms Hicks likes to term the poetry on this CD as "folk-rap" which she explains as basically the spoken word put to music. So all in all we have a well produced solo album of song and poetry from a mature talent.

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