Tanita Tikaram's debut, Ancient Heart, was a surprise worldwide smash. For her follow-up, the British singer brings much of the same cast back, including Rod Argent and Peter Van Hooke who again co-produce. The result is much the same as the first go round. Musically, The Sweet Keeper is fairly unadventurous -- melodic, jazz-inflected adult pop with touches of folk. The only real moments that resonate are the tracks on which Sonny Landreth adds guitar. Lyrically, Tikaram is somewhat impenetrable, often going in circles that are so personal they leave the listener baffled. However, it's hard to resist that voice, husky and sounding more world-wise than her years. If it weren't for her voice, The Sweet Keeper would be easy to disregard. As things are, it's worth a listen, especially the Tikaram's hushed delivery on "It All Came Back Today." ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
Mark Davies (Cello), Tanita Tikaram (Arranger), Rod Argent (Arranger), Anne Solomon (Violin), Martin O'Connor (Accordion), Roger Garland (Violin), Katherine Shave (Violin), Mark Isham (Trumpet), Peter Van Hooke (Producer), Mark Pharoah (Violin), John Giblin (Bass), Helen O'Hara (Violin), Rod Argent (Keyboards), Tanita Tikaram (Vocals), Tanita Tikaram (Guitar), Rory McFarlane (Bass), Peter Van Hooke (Mixing), Simon Hurrell (Engineer), Andrew Davis (Double Bass), Rod Argent (Conductor), Peter Van Hooke (Arranger), Peter Van Hooke (Drums), David Clifton (Guitar), Abigail Brown (Violin), Sonny Landreth (Bottleneck Guitar), Helen O'Hara (Arranger), Robert Woollard (Cello), Clem Clempson (Guitar), Simon Hurrell (Mixing), Mark Cresswell (Guitar), Richie Buckley (Sax (Tenor)), Rod Argent (Producer), John Heley (Cello), Deborah Feingold (Photography), Mitch Dalton (Guitar (Acoustic)), Roy Gillard (Violin), Clem Clempson (Guitar (Acoustic)), Helen Kamminga (Viola), Rod Argent (Mixing)
