Angelique Francis sounds like she's been around forever. And in some ways, she has. Improbably, she composed the theme song for "The Gayle King Show" at the age of 13. This is her second album, one that is steeped in the blues but borrows from many more traditions.

Angelique Francis Long River (self-released)

So just call is americana, right? Well, Francis is from Ottawa (the Canadian capital), where she recorded this album with three siblings and some friends. Oh, and she plays the upright bass (among many other instruments). Her voice is strong, clear and imbued with just the right amount of mystery. When things are going just right, she hits that sweet spot between a moan and a wail.

I'd stick with blues, though Francis is certainly restless when it comes to music. She is constantly exploring and finding new ways to make connections. Her songs are intimately connected to the everyday, and within familiar tales she finds new ideas.

Occasionally, her youth is apparent. She's not quite weathered enough to totally sell some of the blues licks she's singing. Give her voice another ten years and it might be perfect. Nonetheless, her songwriting is first rate, and she knows how to put her band through the paces. With any luck, we'll be listening to new albums from her for years to come. An awe-inspiring harbinger.

Jon Worley