As strong a Eurojazz led cosmopolitan vocals release as we have come across recently spanning singersongwritery, borderless and intercontinental loose Frisellian moods - guitarist Bill Frisell and his tonally inspirational sage-like poet of a bassist Thomas Morgan (Small Town) are among the guesting non Eurojazz input shaping under the moniker of the Atlantic Drifters. Yes, you could imagine this - away from festival fields - in a non-doctrinaire stylistically and socially jazz club, to use that memorable phrase of Barney Josephson's that's ''the wrong place for the right people.''

Because Acda, who was born in Holland but lives in Belgium, knows about harnessing aching silences, straight talking lyrics and above all fear. She challenges it all and reclaims it from the cruel sea to add strength to her songs. So, particularly on the epic and harrowing 'Seafoam,' a contemplation on existence and mortality, the impact is pretty staggering. Personnel on the album includes drummer-percussionist Eric Thielemans and the avant saxist Colin Stetson. But Silently Held is really about the intimacy of voice cloaked in that panoramic Frisellian mood - and what an unforgettable voice it is. Frisell's new supersized live album on Blue Note Orchestras doesn't succeed in anywhere near the same way certainly if you prioritise intimacy and mood. There's a universality that counts immeasurably.

Chantal Acda, above. Photo: press