Reviewed by Paul Kerslake

The Rose Foundation is a charity that was set up by Maurice and Margaret Dimmock, to remember their daughter, Emma. It aims to provide a better life for young people through educational programmes. 'The Rose Sessions Vol 1' compilation has been put together for this foundation, all of the tracks were donated by the artists so that proceeds can go to the charity. There is an eclectic mix of artists on the album, the best known probably being Sandi Thom (the punk rocker with a flower in her hair...) who performs a storming self-penned song called "Rainbird" with a gospel backing and a funky New Orleans feel...pretty different to what you've heard her do before. Shell, formerly of TBC, is another recognisable artist on here, singing a great song "Made To Be Me", though like the tracks from [dweeb] and Bosh, this is from a previously released album. For more unique music try Galactus Jack, otherwise known as Cross Rhythms Teeside presenter Ben Jack, who presents a haunting dance track titled "Headspace", and Lincoln-based The Silverlakes who offer a fascinating electro/rock crossover sound on "Resolutions". Other standouts are cuts from those zany hip-hop iconoclasts The Austin Francis Connection, the catchy "Heaven" by Lindsey (a track, like Sandi Thom's and Galactus Jack's, which has made it to the CR playlist) and the gone but not forgotten dance aggregation Aorta. An excellent compilation assembled not to hype new products but to do some good in the world.

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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