Diane Birch: Bible Belt

Thanks to the One2One Network, I was introduced to new artist Diane Birch through her debut CD Bible Belt (ARV $9.99, S-Curve Records).

Singer-songwriter Diane Birch took half her lifetime, and traveled across the globe, to get to America, where she literally found her voice and made her remarkable debut, Bible Belt. Though only in her mid-twenties, Birch likes to think of herself as an “old soul,” and indeed there is a startling maturity in her singing and a veteran’s self-assurance in her writing. Hook-driven songs like “Fools” and “Valentino” offer more than just instant gratification: they’re like your new best friends – you’ll want to get together with them as frequently as possible. Birch mixes piano-playing virtuosity with easy-going soul, and she can strike an uplifting groove on even the most melancholy tune.

The track list includes:

Fire Escape
Valentino
Fools
Nothing But A Miracle
Rewind
Rise Up
Photograph
Don't Wait Up
Mirror Mirror
Ariel
Choo Choo
Forgiveness
Magic View

I really enjoyed the songs on Bible Belt, many of which have obvious gospel, jazz, blues, and soul influences, which is evident on such tracks as Fire Escape and Rise Up.

I found myself constantly singing along to Nothing But a Miracle, grooving along to the mellow beat of Mirror Mirror, and crooning to Photograph, a bittersweet ballad.

My favorite track is Valentino, a fun, upbeat, and whimsical song.

Many of Birch’s songs are reminiscent of tunes of the 70s, and her raspy, powerful voice is simply beautiful, reminding me of other female vocal superstars such as Joss Stone and Norah Jones.

Bible Belt is a fantastic debut CD that showcases Birch’s vocal and song-writing talent, featuring many songs that you’ll never tire of. You can listen for yourself on Birch’s MySpace Page.

Shop: You can purchase Bible Belt on Amazon.com and various other retailers online and nationwide.

Thank you to S-Curve Records for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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