Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Formed in 2016 by award-winning Ontario-based singer/songwriter Jacob Moon and Joel Parisien of Canadian group newworldson, the Commissionaires have released a debut album that their website describes as an "eight-song sonic journey with themes of justice and overtones of the soul's struggle for redemption." In keeping with that mission statement, the two Canadians have handpicked some great freedom and justice-related songs that most definitely deserve more attention with the likes of Ben Harper's "I Want To Be Ready" and the Buddy and Julie Miller title track getting a Commissionaires overhaul whilst the band's version of "None Of Us Are Free" (covered by the likes of Ray Charles and Solomon Burke) is thought-provokingly sublime. As you would expect from the substantial cumulative experience of the group's two main members, this is an accomplished affair and the pair have assembled a polished band to help put across their own brand of blues, soul and gospel with the vocals of both Moon and Parisien and their respective lead guitar and keyboard skills shining through. An acoustic take on the Stevie Wonder classic "Heaven Help Us All" and an epic reading of the old Charles Albert Tindley spiritual "The Storm Is Passing Over", both featuring guest vocals from Chantal Williams, round off this exemplary release.

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