There's usually a feeling of anticipation whenever a respected musician releases her first solo recording. You're excited that she's finally getting a chance to display her approach to after years in the role of a sideman. Lauren Wool, a gifted singer and cello player, steps into the spotlight this week with her wonderful debut recording Here With Me. To mark the release, Wool will give a concert on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the South Church, 292 State St., Portsmouth. For her family and friends, this is a long-awaited event.

I include myself in that last statement. I've known Lauren Wool since her days at Exeter High School, and I've observed the development of her remarkable talent over the past 20 years, most notably as a jazz singer. Wool's warm, reflective approach has enhanced vocal jazz groups such as The Caf? and Other Voices, and she's appeared with Percy Hill, One Hand Free, Cactus Highway, the Seacoast Big Band, and the bands of Adrian Sicam and longtime friend and colleague Mark Shilansky. Shilansky, a superb jazz pianist, arranger and songwriter, is the moving force behind Wool's CD, serving as the project's producer, chief songwriter and arranger. "This wouldn't have happened without Mark's dedication," Wool says. "One time, about four years ago, he asked me 'When are we going to make your CD?' That was the start of the journey that culminated with this CD."

The recording fuses jazz with other contemporary styles into a colorful and diverse collection of good music. "In some cases, this recording represents a departure from the more straight-ahead jazz I've focused on over the years," Wool says.

Here With Me is evenly balanced between originals and covers. There are many highlights, but the tune that most clearly displays Wool's vocal style is an original, "Roll With The Punches." You clearly hear what I feel are Wool's finest musical assets-her subtle but assured ability to swing and her flexible approach to lyric phrasing. Other high points include a forceful version of Billy Joel's "Summer, Highland Falls," featuring a burning saxophone solo from Marc LaForce; a lush arrangement of the standard "With A Song In My Heart"; and Wool's wonderful arrangement of "For All We Know" featuring her voice and cello accompanied by the subtle guitar work of David Newsam.

"This has been a good and positive journey for me so far," Wool says of her musical career. Along with the encouragement of Shilansky, Wool also cites the influence of her mother, Sally. "She's always been encouraging to me. She's exposed me to a lot of music and musicians all throughout my life." As Wool continues her day gig with the Seacoast United Way, she'll continue pursuing her music. "I'm seeking the right balance between my social work and my music. Music will always be a constant in my life, and I've always found ways to stay involved. As for the CD, I'm very proud of how it came out. I felt it was time to capture this energy and these ideas. And I feel it represents the musical stage I'm at now."