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by Richard Middleton

New Orleans singer-songwriter Gina Forsyth casts a memorable spell with her soulful singing, life-affirming lyrics, and strong, rhythmic arrangements. The disc kicks off with the title track, as joyous a celebration of romantic love as I've ever heard, a kind of musical Annunciation, with fittingly angelic backing vocals by Nancy Walker, Sue Demel, and Kat Eggleston. Forsyth's voice is unusual and, despite her sometimes uneven intonation and control, unexpectedly compelling. Her emotional presence and interpretive skill transcend her limitations, and her composer's ear for interesting, graceful melodies is original and sure. Some highlights among the many moods and styles are the mysterious and lovely "In the Corner of the Room," the spacious, chant-like "Prayer," and Forsyth's supple fiddle playing on "J'ai Fait Tout le Tour de Grand Bois." A fascinating and moving debut.