Vivian Green -- A Love Story

Yet another aspiring female soul singer-songwriter to emerge from America, Vivian Green successfully melts jazz, soul and R&B into a pleasing whole.

Sounds familiar. But Green stands out by fusing contemporary hip-hop beats with a distinctive 80s sheen.

The production works in her favour, Green's silky, rich tones are more Anita Baker or even Taja Sevelle than the more streetwise Alicia Keys.

A Love Story is an impressive debut but the retro feel suggests she is more likely to succeed on the fringes of the nu-soul scene than break through into the mainstream.

If Green is prepared to beef up the production and employ a guest spot from Rent-a-Rapper, major success could be on the cards.

Manny Grillo

Blaze - As Live As It Gets

Blaze Bayley, not I suspect his proper name, was front man of Iron Maiden in between Bruce Dickinson's two stints. Prior to this he fronted Tamworth metal merchants Wolfsbane, anybody remember them...... thought not?!

As Live As It Gets, as the title suggests, is a double live recording of 18 tracks recorded at gigs in Switzerland and the UK last year.

With Blaze's CV, it's no surprise what the content of this album is like. It really is Iron Maiden in all but name. Speed Of Light; Steel; Stare At The Sun; Sign Of The Cross, all titles that suggest rock of the heavy variety.

If the Maiden, Saxon or Judas Priest is your taste then make room for a little Blaze in your CD collection.

Graham Scaife.