Reviewed by George Luke

A new name to the gospel scene, Ms Floyd is an exponent of 'old school' jazz, with a vocal style reminiscent of Billie Holliday or the recently departed Ella Fitzgerald - or of modern jazz chanteuses such as Cassandra Wilson or Anita Baker. This, Ruth's debut, combines themes of salvation and rising above the misery of everyday life with some of the most awesome jazz you've heard in ages. With the exception of Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday" and the hymn "Abide With Me", most of the songs were co-written by Ruth and one band member or other. There's no 'star' here; the band feature as prominently as Ruth does and do some truly wonderful improvising. Some nice sepia toned photography adds to the album's retro mood.

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