It is very rare that you find someone who has the style of grace of Nina Simone, the tenacity of Ertha Kitt, and just a little bit of that “umph” like Billie Holiday. Akua Allrich may just be the closest thing to tipping that line of all three-in-one. This Washington, D.C. native is the definition of an eclectic songbird, as she expresses her beautiful vocal range over jazz and Afro-Caribbean beats. In her debut album, A Peace of Mine, Allrich takes you on an emotional journey of love, commitment, passion, desire, and just straight up, all around, feelings.

The album starts off with an African drum roll call in her song “Fire”. Allrich is excellent at grabbing the attention of her audience through the heavy bass line and lyrics. The lead single, “Hard to Get” is a flirtatious expression of hope. This in turn, sets the tone for the entire album. “Never thought I’d fall so hard in love, in love with you…” says Allrich, when she talks about the understanding of a mutual admiration, but holding herself back from giving away too much. My favorite track, “Sweet Dream Man”, is a confession of adoration to her crush. “How did you get in my head, and take over my thoughts, and hypnotize me in my wake…” The way in which she exudes her hidden desire to let him know that she enjoys his very essence is captivating. She continues on her relationship journey with such songs “Gypsy Lover” and the Bob Marley sampled track “I’m Not Crazy”. The first half of the album literally causes the listener to believe that they are watching a beautiful love story unfold right before their eyes.

The album does a very good shift between the Afro-Carib beat to her jazz influenced compositions. She uses the thought of heart break and confusion to lead into this transition with “Just Wait” and “Too Hard”. In her song, “Guess Who I Saw Today”, Allrich’s melodic voice and instrumentals remind you of Etta James’ “All I Could Do Is Cry”. Her explanation of walking into a restaurant and seeing her significant other with someone else is vulnerable and heartfelt. It is almost like you are seeing the hurt through her very eyes. Allrich continues with her jazz influences with “Black Orpheus”, which she sings in Portuguese, and ends her album with a live version of “I’m Not Crazy”.

A Peace of Mine is definitely a must have. Allrich gives herself so much in this debut that you are able to ride the relationship rollercoaster, from a small simple crush to accidentally finding your boyfriend on a date with someone else, to finding new love. This album flows so beautifully that you don’t even realize that you are nearing the end of the CD, in hopes that another song will play. Being that this is her first album, I’m almost willing to bet that we will be hearing a lot more beautiful music from Allrich. I’m no guru, but I know good music when I hear it.