'Rectify' by Aria

"I want to hunt you like lost treasure,

I want to haunt you like a dream,

I want to cast a spell across your eyes,

And be your only queen."

As a product of the late-90s neo-soul generation, Aria openly credits the works of Erykah Badu and Jill Scott as having had a significant impact on shaping the sound of her own musical aesthetic.  With a sound that lends itself to the warm stylings of sublime jazz, the rich soul of Aretha Franklin and all wrapped up within contemporary hip-hop sensibilities, Aria's latest nine-track effort offers a brilliant, all encompassing perspective of her innovative nature.

'Rectify' may wear its influences proudly on its sleeve, but that invariably adds to the project's - and that of its creator's - over-arching charm.

Already a seasoned live performer, Aria has since chalked up performances amongst some of London's most esteemed stages including Ronnie Scott's, The 606 Club and Soho's Pizza Express notwithstanding her having graced stages at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and a slot as part of London's EFG Jazz Festival.  Just scouring through the litany of images available through her Instagram page is a testament to the whirlwind the 'Rectify' project has been from the range of live gigs, interviews, high-end photo shoots, top tier airplay... no doubt all mementos of indicative of the hard work and talent put forward for what's undeniably an excellent piece of work.

Backed by a strong supporting cast throughout, Aria's primary support comes in the form of the esteemed writing, recording and producing partners, Sarah Gillespie and Chris Montague.  Gillespie, a jazz singer and songwriter in her own right, can boast numerous projects to her own name as well as a duo album with guitarist Chris Montague whose credentials further extend to collaborations with Troyka and Ant Law.

With 'Rectify' released through Gillespie's Pastiche Records, the album boasts even more star power courtesy of the brilliant trumpeter Poppy Daniels (Blue Lab Beats, Celeste) and guitarist Tony Remy (Courtney Pine, Omar) who all add their own distinctive flavours and styles throughout.  But Aria is still very much the star here.  With songs that capture her charisma and personality - as evidenced almost immediately in the album's playful opening number 'Rectify You Soul' (see lyrics at the top of the article) - Aria's self-assured approach has her able to veer all the way to the other end of the scale with a transcendent gem like 'Only Time I Get'.

While its influences are never far from the surface, Aria demonstrates an identity and artistic sensibility that are very much her own, moving effortlessly between moments of soulful introspection, playful exuberance and beautifully understated jazz-inflected grooves.  There's an infectious confidence running throughout 'Rectify' - one that speaks not only to the calibre of musicians surrounding her but to an artist with a clear understanding of who she is and where she wants to go.