Reviewed by Phil Thomson

Britain's very own R&B diva has gone back to her roots this time with a 'songs-my-mother-taught-me' collection straight out of the original gospel hall of fame. Proving that she is no slouch as a producer, Ruby has teamed up with the West Midlands' own Bob Lamb to craft a studio album of remarkable clarity and depth. 'I'm Traveling On' is the result of a self-confessed spiritual awakening for the Jools Holland regular - and the intensity shows. Every track is paired back to its original setting, rich in vocal vulnerability and so skillfully arranged, it has the feel of all those old recordings (but without the hiss and crackle). You can hear the ache, the longing, the gratitude in every line as she turns out a masterful version of "Live So God Can Use You" or "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" or "Precious Memories". I'm not sure how she fitted it in, such is her touring schedule as lead singer with the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, as well as extensive solo dates. But you get the feeling she has waited a long time to feel this way and this was her moment. It just had to be done. Turner can sing pretty much anything convincingly, but 'I'm Traveling On' is definitely value-added. There's no musical seduction, slick virtuoso moments, no gimmickry; it is all for real. So you know she's back there with The Original Five Blind Boys of Alabama, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Brother Joe May, or Mahalia Jackson - she's living out the experience. If you're listening, Ruby will take you with her.

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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