Allysha Joy, The Making of Silk, First Word Records **** Recommended

The Saturday morning listen:

You can't really allot one particular constituency who could elect Aussie Allysha Joy to a soul parliament. But certainly she has wider federal big territory party list co-opt appeal beyond a local first-past-the-post popularity genre contest. A singer, songwriter, producer and keys player whose previous work includes 2022's Torn : Tonic it's all about the Dorado-esque expectations and a particular nu jazz vibe that thrives on a laidback, if sometimes heartfelt, lounge friendly swirl that crosses boundaries. If you liked Olivia Dean's Messy you'll be on your way to get what's here. No one should be turning to the album for loads of chord changes, bebop or wilder improvisation, mind. It ain't here, guv. But it's not typical hitmaker belt-it-out chart dross by a long way either. And yet the allied spirit to gain a few jazz mates via credible means is there. And there's a lot of organic momentum built in the course of these succinct songs. But I don't get any real headline messages beyond the loved up but never overly toothsome sentiments expressed. Personnel on the album includes good grooves from bassist Matthew Hayes, synth player Finn Rees, drummer Hudson Whitlock and percussionist Jansen Santana as strings and backing singers wrap around. ''Burning up inside'' song 'David' is streaming ahead of the full album's mid-September release. Playing the Jazz Cafe, London on 20 September. Photo: Jess Brohier