THE acclaimed singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas moves away from her country-folk comfort zone with this collection of intimate torch songs.

Griffith chooses an eclectic selection of tracks to cover, including three by Tom Waits: Ruby's Arms, Grapefruit Moon and Please Call Me, Baby.

Griffith has penned plenty of her own torch songs (and two are included here; Brave Companion Of The Road and Late Night Grand Hotel) but it's a pleasure to hear her try something different.

Vocally, Ruby's Arms requires a powerhouse performance, which Griffith delivers. It may not have the gravel tones of Waits, but it has the guts.

For Please Call Me, Baby, Griffith adopts the persona of a sexy chanteuse in a smoky bar. The late night cabaret-star theme is furthered on Wee Small Hours Of The Morning.

The only jarring note is her faux New York accent on Drops From The Fawcett.