D'Influence presents D'Vas - CD30

A D'Influence album that showcases (mainly) British based Divas. What is surfacing on Dome these days sure is good stuff and this for the most part is perfectly satisfying, although for me the material is too widely spread.

Kickin' off with a stormer - receiving massive plays on the modern soul circuit - and that is 'Show me Love' featuring Sarah Anne Webb. A tempo and groove that fits perfectly with the current soul scene. Following this in a midtempo soul groove - again a cut that will get plays - but it has a bit less of a thump - is Shola Ama 'This I promise you'.

Of course given that this is a D'Influence project the quality of the production and mix shines through, even on the weaker cuts. Kwame Kwaten and Steve Marston are D'Influence but assisted by longstanding 'team member' Ed Baden Powell. These three have a hand in all the production and writing in various degrees and emphasis. It seems also that the girls have a hand in each of their vocal arrangements.

'All I need' by Belle Montenegro is somewhat slower but still with a catchy simplicity. 'Taste of Bitter Love', the Ashford Simpson song, by Romina Johnson which doesn't do anything extra to it other than in tyhe context of the album brings in a bit of a retro feel which is enhanced by Ultra Nate in 'Music Came to Save My Life'. A beat-y disco-y fun and good track.

'I wanna know you' by Dyanna Fearon is altogether slower with a jazz influenced vocal. '32 flavours' by Louise Rose is again different reminding me of something like the style of Des'ree and not one for me.

'La Dee Dah' Dee C Lee commences the second half of the album which in my view is weaker than the first half, though this track is pleasant enough. 'Dreams' Julie Anne Evans is a haunting and mellow piece.

'Wishing back my love' Deed is for me the pick of the second half. It's mellow but beaty and vocally just a little bit different, bit nu soul perhaps. Next one certainly is more nu soul, R'n'B, and that is 'What'cha gonna do' Dyanna Fearon's second track - nice cut.

'Wonderin'' Lilly Ray - bit of a UK Garage beat on this showing some versatility but not sure if it works- have to hear it loud in a heavy remix!

Belle Montenegro's second cut 'Angel' is a slow and moody ending.

A mixture of styles and variety on here encompassing a wide range of talent and put together exceptionally well. There will be tracks on here that do it for you - whether the ones I have highlighted or not - and some that maybe will not.