Kim Kuzma Who You Are. Release Date : 2005. Label: Kuzmama Music. Rating: Andy doesn't dig rating stuff. Kim Kuzma has one of the most astounding and soulful voices I've heard in a long time. Peppered with an ongoing techno beat in the background, this reminds me a bit of mid-90's club mixes, and certainly would be no stranger to clubs the world over. A Vancouver gal who took off for sunnier skies in San Fransisco, she finds a solid niche alongside everything from her own loungey cabaret shows to the San Fran Gay Men's Chorus. She's one saucy mamma, undoubtedly. Shocking, she sounds like she should be a black chick. It is extremely dancepop though - having seen her live a few times I would have loved to hear some loungey songs on this album, but I suppose that would split it up too much. "Price You Pay" gets a bit closer to that but retains the electronics in the background subtly. Kuzma's voice purrs from a low growl to a sizzling wail as easy as can be. It's quite astounding. The woman was meant to be a singer. And then there's Caribbean fiesta songs coming in on "Come Along," which comes across as a Gloria Estefan song. That's a pretty similar genre comparison - Kuzma and Estefan are somewhat similar in sound and vibe. And the whole album is about a very direct and pure love. And the disc is padded out with further-remixed versions of "Price You Pay" and "Wishing On A Star." I think that might be overkill on an actual album, considering how dancey the originals are. This might be better suited to single territory. Song of choice : "Price You Pay" - lovely energy. Well, they all do! I just like this best. -Andy Scheffler Elsewhere HIM website Published : February, 2006.