Blessed & Bewitched

The Austrian vocalist Maja Jaku brings her distinct voice to these 7 personal tracks that comprise this rich 5th album.

"The Witch" starts the listen with Dezron Douglas' emotive bass and Alan Bartus' intimate keys that suit Jaku's striking voice, and "I'm A Queen" follows with Johnathan Blake's strategic drums amid the expressive singing.

"Blessings Will Come" and "Never Let Me Go" land in the middle. The former has Jaku singing with a soulful quality alongside the cozy rhythm section, while "Never Let Me Go" recruits Michael Rodriguez's strategic trumpet to the emotive delivery.

Close to the end, "Rituals" comes with grooves and a frisky energy that's infectious, and "Everything Must Change" exits with Jaku's captivating pipes excelling in both bare and soaring bouts of beauty.

An artistic and authentic effort, Jaku uses connection, reflection and emotional honesty for these 5 originals and 2 covers that are moving and timeless.