Northern Irish singer and songwriter Amanda St John is one of those hardy stalwarts who plough their own furrows irrespective of reward.

Her debut album Grow was unwillingly conceived out of a near-death experience in 2011 (a car accident, fighting for her life 300ft down a mountainside) and a fractious marriage separation.

Time, reckoned St John during recovery from both experiences, is precious, so she promptly set about channelling her love of soul, gospel and blues into songwriting.

The results shape Grow; assisted by Mobo-nominated jazz musician David Lyttle, and Nashville writer/ producer Jon Tiven, the songs echo jazz/soul/gospel greats such as Etta Fitzgerald, Odetta and Billie Holiday, while telling personal stories of heartache, salvation, and small but crucial victories. facebook.com/ amandastjohnmusic