(08 August 2004) In the run up to her debut album last winter, emerging British singer songwriter Kate Aumonier released a four track EP entitled "Fall From Grace." Critics acclaim, "With one of the best vocals from any of the new UK female artists and a live performance that has utterly mesmerised crowds from the Albert Hall to the Bush Hall, Kate Aumonier is a new and very unique talent." Our exclusive interview presents further information on the artist's background and unique perspectives.

Kate Aumonier was discovered by legendary producer Glyn Johns. She worked with his son Ethan as well as Mike Rutherford and Gordon Raphael, and developed the credentials to become a new force in British music. Given the impeccable credentials that may burden other artists, it is refreshing when you meet her to come across someone who cannot help smiling and laughing, someone who jokes about the turmoil of being expelled from school. But ultimately that experience took her on a voyage that led to her working with some of the most outstanding creative musical forces of the past five years. Read our interview for further details.

Here I Am (Sanctuary Music (UK), SANCD224, 2004) is comprised of eleven radio friendly length tracks and includes the four songs from Kate's EP "Fall From Grace" (Sanctuary Music (UK) SANEP227, 2003). Listeners familiar with the EP will therefore find seven new tracks. The album's production continues to focus on the singer with both backing harmonies and even the more powerful instrumentals never overpowering Kate's lead vocal.

The album's material varies between the gentler edge of singer songwriter ("Simple Heart," "You With Me" and "By This Time"), robust Alison Moyet-style ballad ("Fall From Grace" and "Medusa Let Go") and bluesy rockers ("Laugh As You Fall"). Accessible radio tunes include "Morning After Girl" and the evocative "Much Like Yesterday." There is indeed something for every female vocal enthusiast on the album and the material naturally grow on the listener with repeated plays.

Other standout numbers include the robust title track which actually concludes the album. Here Kate's voice soars in the catchy chorus well above the robust electric guitar-based rock instrumentation. Lush backing vocals line the chorus of the stunningly produced "Beautiful Girl." The guitar solos demonstrate the virtuosity of Kate Aumonier's sound. The edgy singer songwriter "Modern Day Crawl" is also certain to appeal to Thea Gilmore enthusiasts.

After the best part of two years writing and performing, Kate Aumonier and Sanctuary Records have produced and released an album of diverse music certain to please female vocals enthusiasts. Here I Am has indeed been worth the wait. Catch Kate on tour this autumn and give her album the listen it deserves.