IMA

Some impressive names join London-based singer Noga Ritter on a debut solo album which blends Hebrew and English vocals, jazz and other diverse grooves and instrumentation. Trumpeter Byron Wallen, kora player Seckou Keita and saxophonist Tony Kofi are among those that back Ritter's soaring vocals and create a sound ranging from delicate – almost crystalline – to lavish and full.

Ima means ‘mother’ in Hebrew and the title song is a tribute to Ritter's late mother, with a message of creative empowerment for women generally. Another theme of the album is that of reflecting the nomadic roots of Hebrew by bringing in influences from Ritter's own musical encounters while retaining the words as the centripetal point. Ritter spares no effort here as we are treated to a heady mix of jazz, kora, Moroccan gnawa rhythms and Senegalese sabar (drum). The overall sound is essentially jazz, but these other ingredients and extra dimensions give a more global feel.