No Secret

Even music fans who are not on nodding terms with her name have probably heard Karen Coleman in any of the many bands she's performed with, including The Commitments. On her debut solo album, No Secret, she sprinkles her confident blend of soul, jazz and pop over a suite of her own heartfelt songs, like the title track and the sparkling 'Chardonnay'. There's a beguiling poignancy about 'Father', while 'Heaven Blessed' is spiced with Indian tablas and other exotica. The stylish arrangements stretch beyond predictable pop-soul formulae too. Her sterling band of musicians gives full value for money, notably in the form of the evocative brass contributions to 'Tapestry' and the delicious piano-lead 'Times Like These'. No Secret is long-overdue, but well worth the wait.