Reviewed by Kwaku

This is the first whole album I've heard of jazz-based gospel and spiritual music. However, I'm excited by this, not because of some novelty factor, but because Ruth is a fine soul-jazz singer, and the musicianship and music here's top flight jazz. Whilst of course Ruth's here to sell the gospel, I can envisage many people listening to this not necessarily because of the gospel leanings but because it's a fine jazz album! Backed mainly by a bass, drums and piano combo, and occasionally augmented by saxophone, violin or percussion, not to mention an African chorus for the acappella version of the soul-jazz opener "We Celebrate", Ruth demonstrates her vocal prowess over straight ahead gospel originals such as the title track, through to the pointed, thought-provoking socio-conscious "Responsibility", plus the reflective song "The Face I've Never Seen", which was inspired by the conception of her baby girl. Songs directly inspired by, but not necessarily literal interpretations of, biblical passages include "0 Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" (Jeremiah 31:3) and her splendid seven-minute take on 1 Kings 19:11-12, "In A Whisper".

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