Reviewed by Martin Kendrick

Hailing from Switzerland, JD Roth is a singer/songwriter with aptitude and sophistication, flaunting his multi-lingual talents by singing most of the album in English, as well a few songs in his native French tongue, to full Serge Gainsbourg like effect. 'Invitation' is a silky smooth laid back acoustic offering. JD is the kind of artist you'd expect to find playing in some trendy New York coffee house on a wet Wednesday evening, his songs being perfect antidotes to hectic days at the office. With a voice like a French Lou Reed and some Dylan inspired melodies, JD will appeal to people who like to kick back to David Gray, Shawn McDonald and the like. He writes feel-good redemption songs of freedom and liberty "I'm gonna tell the lonely, I'm gonna tell the sick, I'm gonna tell the forgotten ones that I'm making a party tonight." 'Invitation' is a pleasant surprise of an album, chilled out pop songs for the Starbucks generation.

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.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.