The city of New Orleans doesn’t just shape great singers and musicians; the place is so musical it seems to begin the training of young native talent even in the womb.

Take the case of Tara Darnell. While still a toddler, the youngster would amuse friends and family by mounting performances anywhere and everywhere, using anything handy, a jump-rope handle or an inverted screwdriver, as her make-believe microphone.

Today, there’s no more needing to make believe for Tara Darnell; one listen to this powerhouse debut recording and it becomes instantly clear, this girl was born to sing!

Dynamic and forceful only begin to describe her gospel-forged style, and proving she’s no shrinking violet, this thrilling vocalist has chosen to open her debut recording with a composition all her own, “Let It Shine,” professing her faith and commitment in a full-blown, no-holds-barred gospel arrangement.

More-intimate settings on a half-dozen jazz standards follow (“God Bless the Child,” “All of Me,” “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?” and “Summertime” among the standouts), before transitioning to funk-drive back-up on a couple of R&B sizzlers (“The Thrill Is Gone” and “Ain’t No Sunshine”).

The program closes with the singer’s self-penned tribute to her daughter, “I’ll Be Here for You (Tierra’s Song)”, and a stunning solo and piano rendition of “Amazing Grace,” before exiting with a rocking “Gospel Medley” of old-time spirituals that both recalls the great Mahalia Jackson, the original gospel queen of New Orleans, and reaffirms Tara Darnell’s roots in church-based music and spirit-driven musical inspiration.