Newcastle-Upon-Tyne singer/songwriter April has released her debut album with the help of her husband David and a handful of other contributors in a stripped down collection of laidback acoustic jazz numbers that seek to point people towards God.

April Olatunji - First StepsOlatunji's voice is undoubtedly the star of the show and the fragile strength of her vocal delivery succeeds in lifting her self-penned songs to another level.

Accompanying herself on electric piano with help from her double bass and cajon-playing husband, Olatunji's evangelical nature is evidenced in the likes of "Which Side Are You On" and "Deeper" whilst tender praise songs such as "Thank You" and "Fall In" communicate a more personal side to her faith.

Stand out tracks include the philosophical "Just About Life" - featuring some gorgeous late night sax from Simon Green - and the abstractly experimental "Waiting For My Love" which suggest that Olatunji is an artist willing to buck musical trends to produce something that is a bit different in order to glorify God.

Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Listen to a sample

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOC1CK8QKds

This review originally featured on Cross Rhythms: For thousands of reviews, plus music articles, news, radio and shop visit www.crossrhythms.co.uk