Reviewed by Paddy Hudspith

"Every decade there comes a change of guard, a new heavenly voice, an extraordinary gift, talent and anointing. ...Maurette will usher you into the presence of the Lord, directly into the inner-court, and then to the Holy Place." Producer Steven Ford's sleeve notes certainly takes hype to new levels. The poor woman has a lot to live up to! A cover shot featuring Maurette at the piano does her no favours either, when the musician credits tell us that she did not tinkle a single ivory in the making of 'How I Feel'! Vocally however she knows her stuff, and comes across as a rawer Whitney Houston on this debut set, which features many self- or co-penned tracks. Strongly supported by quality production, she soars and smoulders in all the right places, but neither the songs nor the voice made me sit up and take notice. The duet with Maurice Brown, "Speak", stands out from the pack in this respect. Everything is there in its proper place for pop gospel lovers, and that is half the problem. My impression is of a very honest and talented young woman giving her all, but as yet failing to carve herself a distinctive niche or do anything which will lift her above her contemporaries. File under 'Promising Start'.

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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