FOR her steadfast, growing army of admirers, this debut album has been a long time coming but I’m delighted to report it’s well worth the wait.

Proof Of Life is a living memory book brimming with her tender, bruised soul, her world-weary but uplifting folk and her heart-on-the-sleeve confessionals.

It’s a wise old head she lays on your shoulder with songs like No-One But My Best and I Don’t Want No Other, layered with heartache beyond her years. Reference points put her in good company – Tracy Chapman, John Martyn, Kristin Hersh, Joan Armatrading and even (believe it or not) prime-time Paul Rodgers on Hunger.

As she says herself on the beautifully lilting True Speaker, this girl’s got a lot of heart for you.

Album available now from her website www.kateybrooks.co.uk 8/10