(Olatuja Music)

First, wow. Occasionally, a voice comes along that stops you in your tracks, Alicia Olatuja possesses one of those voice. On her second recording, Timeless, you hear what incredible command she has of that voice. Combine that with a voice which resonates with the vibrato of classical, gospel, soul and jazz influences and what you have is a sound that passes through your ears and goes right to your heart. The selection of music on this effort is as about as impeccable as the singer, with a great balance of originals and covers of works known for their renditions by Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson and Judy Garland. Arranger-extraordinaire Laurence Hobgood add his touch to two of the album’s outstanding tracks. The band likewise is on point with the work of Ulysses Owens Jr. on drums, Jon Cowherd on piano and organ, Michael Olatuja on basses, David Rosenthal on guitar, Gregoire Maret on harmonica, Jason Michael Webb on keys and Jaleel Shaw on saxophone. Bassist Christian McBride has cameos on a couple of tunes. To hear this effort is to be witness to something truly awesome and inspiring.