In jazz, a popular phrase among players is to bring some church to the bandstand. Singer/songwriter/pianist Diane Birch does that with her soulful music in more ways than one. The youngest child of a travelling preacher, she spent time with her family in Africa and Australia before ending up in Portland, Oregon. Initially underexposed to non-secular music, she studied classical piano before exploring a broad spectrum of American music. Rise Up begins with a easy-going bluesy piano, warm horns and Birchs enveloping voice. Check out the brilliant multi-layered “choir,” which shines both on the choruses and accompanying the infectious clarinet solo at the end. If you like the track, pre-order out the album now.

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