Reviewed by Tony Cummings

This gem of a record label debut has been two years in production but it's well worth the wait. Ayiesha is a black singer who defies all stereotype R&B labelling, instead this singer/songwriter, pianist and guitarist eschews pigeonholes with the deft ease of the true artist - one moment resembling Tasmin Archer, the next Tracey Chapman, but throughout finding a musical coherence that is thrillingly fresh. Grab the crisp pop rock of the "Happy" opener, delight to the surging moody rock "Big Enough" on which label boss TobyMac guests, swoon to the Caribbean raga romp of "Crazy". Ayiesha is the kind of rare talent who can clearly fit into any musical guise she chooses. As Gotee A&R director Jason S King has said, "She can play in a coffee house with an acoustic guitar or she can go on tour with Donnie McClurkin and rock the house with a full band." Is the Christian music world - sadly still divided by archaic black music/white music divisions - ready for a singer who can handle powerhouse rock and funky R&B with equal aplomb? I sure hope so. All I can say is that 'Introducing.' is one of the highlight albums of this or any year.

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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