Cynthia Turner and Heartspeak bolster the level of excellence for independents this year. Turner and her mixed group hail from the Chicago area and deliver a solid effort titled Just Because that is musically diverse and vocally fervent (hear audio).

The title track “Just Because”, a slow tempo song penned by Turner, features chorale members in a repetitive verse. The melodic worship tune features Turner’s verbal exhortation, as throughout the rest of the project. Though frequent, it is not contrived and provides a conscious element of continuity for the project. Members of Heartspeak take turns at the verse as accompanied by pretty piano from Tramaine Davis.

Jazz takes its turn on “In Your Will”. Natalie Hamler shapes her ample vocal around the musical ensemble of Chuck Webb on acoustic bass, Sekou Bunch on fretless bass and Dean Klinker with classic delicate jazz drums. The Whitfieldesque background vocal provides the perfect palette for Hamler’s expression.

“Excuse Me” and “Christian Soldier”, both contemporary grooves, are different from much of the diverse selection of songs on this project and are strongly reminiscent of SOUL (Trinity Records). “There’s Not Another” lets Hamler flex a bit on an uptempo jam. “No I Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody” is another highlight on the faster tempoed edge, a “stand right here” proclamation with a bounce.

A wonderful duet with Kimberly Keaton and Vince Elam, is “Offer” written by Turner and husband/co-producer Kevin Turner. Simple in structure but power-packed, it is a key cut on the project. Son Julien makes it a family affair by following mommy’s spoken word, covering the intro on “There’s Not Another”.

“Jesus Knows” features the alto vocal of Whitney Keaton along with some ambitious choral transitions. Heartspeak pulls them off.

Overall this is a well thought-out and well-executed project, with all the elements of a great premiere. Cynthia Turner and Heartspeak undoubtedly have more to offer and things will blossom for them.

Just Because has wonderful writing, substantial production, detail in the music and vocal delivery —and then there’s Turner with a sparkle in her eye and a Word in her heart.



Two songs snips from Cynthia Turner & Heartspeak's album Just Because are available as RealAudio downloads. If you don't have RealAudio, be sure to obtain your free RealAudio player software first, by clicking on the blue RealAudio icon on the right.

To download the 1-minute song snips, simply click on the highlighted text below, let stream on RealAudio, and enjoy.

• "Blessed Be The Name"
  
  
• "Jesus Knows"