has achieved worldwide acclaim as a peerless interpreter of tunes ranging from 's to standards such as (both of which appear on the 1998 release ). Sadly, passed away on November 2, 1996, following a battle with cancer. She was only 33 years old. Her pristine singing voice and choice of songs add poignancy to her recordings that admittedly make her music more effective. But even if she had lived, her ability to make even the most familiar songs fresh through the sheer power of her voice would still earn her the well-deserved praise that, sadly, she never lived to see. Ironically, never intended to be a professional singer. Working as a landscaper by day and living in Bowie, MD, just outside of Washington, DC, she was eventually coaxed into performing and eventually began making her way through D.C.-area clubs; the 1996 album is an effective introduction to her live work. Hooking up with producer in his Maryland studio, and incorporating a range of styles with roots in folk, jazz, gospel, and blues, she recorded material ranging from the traditional to the -penned ; much of this material was eventually released on posthumous collections such as . The 2000 release is a collection of 12 previously unreleased performances; primarily studio recordings, also includes four live tracks. This album continues the tradition set by previous releases: a mix of traditional favorites such as and more contemporary songs like the title track, a remake of the 1984 hit. was quite capable of handling up-tempo material, as 's version of the hit proves. It is the slower material, however, that is ultimately more affecting; (written by ) and ( ) are brilliant examples of 's interpretive skills and are easily the album's best tracks. Calling one of the best singers who ever lived could easily be considered an overstatement. But to her dedicated fans, is worthy of such praise. is a solid collection from an amazingly gifted singer who died too soon. ~ William Cooper