Some years ago, while working on the Antwerp Harbour Jazz & Soul Festival, I had the privilege of being in the front row for discovering new, promising soul artists and their work. Since I had worked with quite a lot of UK artists and the festival turned out to be an interesting stage for British musicians, a lot of managers and record companies started sending me promo albums and CD's of bands and artists that might be of interest for the next event.
One of those records that landed on my desk back than was the second album, Secret Garden, of soul, nu - jazz songstress Natalie Williams. And since the first time I played the CD, it has always been one of my favourites and still is a regular 'visitor' in my stereo.
Now, what is it that makes this disk so
attractive ? Well, I guess it's a combination of different factors.
I believe that Natalie managed to achieve a perfect balance between contemporary, modern soulful music and soul with an old school twist. I have seldom heard an artist that that controls so many different genres in such a sublime way.
Than of course there's the quality of the tracks. Honestly ... on this 14 track disk, I can count like 8 to 10 cuts that have huge hitpotential ... and this is at least remarkable. As you can read, there simply is no downside on Secret Garden.
However, I think it's the overall vibe, that made this CD so special for me. Uplifting, positive tracks that breathe joy and fun and you can sense that Natalie had the time of her life while recording her tunes.
Mrs. Williams, who has made herself quite a name in the UK scene as host of Soul Family Sundays at Ronnie Scott's, for me is an artist that I'd love to see perform any day. Her vibe makes me smile, her music makes me happy and this album comes very close to being perfect.
If you ask me, it's about time that the world gets acquainted with Natalie Williams as she possesses it all to be the next soul superstar.

An impression by Teach

Natalie Williams

> Natalie Williams Official Website
> Natalie Williams on Myspace
> Buy Secret Garden by Natalie Williams