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VEBA Veba vs Grand Central Grand Central ***

Veba is the Manchester diva who should, by rights, be jostling with Mary J Blige, Joss Stone and Lauryn Hill for their soulful crowns. However, fate continues to conspire to scupper that scenario and Veba remains, for now, the Spellbound lady, her performance on Rae & Christian's calling card showing us just what might be one day. Naturally, that tune is here (twice, thanks to the wonders of the remix) along with other Veba contributions to such Grand Central back-catalogue staples as Fingathing, Only Child and a welter of Rae & Christian releases. No matter what direction a track takes, Veba's voice shines bright throughout, a soulful powerhouse which strikes every note with resounding emotion. The Fugees' Ruffhouse label once tried to sign her , but the deal came to nothing when Veba forgot to send the contract back. Our loss. www.grandcentralrecords.com Jim Carroll