Purely in terms of its textural palette, Fresh sees vocalist Mina Agossi's sound-world expanding into adventurous new territories. For many years, the vocalist worked with a signature sound featuring just bass and drums – here the rhythm section of Eric Jacot (bass) and Simon Bernier (drums) – a deliberately stripped down trio sound that completely eschewed the harmonic possibilities offered by piano or guitar. The inclusion here of not one but two guitarists, Phil Reptil and Stéphane Guery (Archie Shepp), plus the contributions of special guests Philippe Combelle (drums, percussion) and Russian violinist Alexei Aigui, makes for an album that is rich in textural contrasts and contrapuntal detail. To mark her 20-plus years as a recording artist, Agossi breathes new life into her back catalogue, together with a smattering of new material. Highlights include the sepulchral funk of ‘Accident’, the psychedelic ‘Need Love’ and the rolling grooves of the title track. Agossi's singular musical journey puts her in a category of one. Long may it continue.