I've known Joy T. Barnum since she was a girl performing in school plays. Her talent has been evident from youth, but now I can say that I truly respect her as an artist. She defies stereotypes and demonstrates that her abilities have no glass ceiling.

If you want an easier description, Joy moves easily between folk, jazz, rock, blues and hip-hop. You want it? Joy has it. It's folly that she isn't an international recording star – the world needs her. Joy is commanding yet timid, fragile but strong. She's human.

A concert was held Saturday in celebration of her second album release, 'And Other Places' as well as her DVD with The Channel. The concert, at the Rock Island Coffee shop, once again captured the power and vulnerability of Joy's voice. Due to the weather, the concert was held indoors, but it put no damper on the event.

Joy looked like an Amazon – a powerful woman who appeared to predict that this moment would come. She has raised the mark for local artists to deliver quality music. Joy stepped out from behind a room divider and thanked everyone for their support by quipping: "This is the same dress as in 2005 – you guys are awesome."

People felt so comfortable in her presence that they sat wherever they could, on the tables, on the rooftop outside, even on the floor at her feet. Heads bopped in appreciation as the audience gobbled up her voice. She has a way of addressing sensitive issues that are palatable to all listeners. Throughout the two-hour performance, she changed into genre-appropriate attire without malfunctions. Defining Joy would take a vocabulary that I simply don't possess. Take Alanis, Amel Larrieux, Jimi Hendrix, Shania Twain. Mix them together and bake at a sexy, mature temperature. You might get Joy.

The concert was divided into three sets – track music, acoustic and rock.

The opening set featured her track music. She was comfortable with her solo presence and delivered passionate, energetic renditions of her tunes.

During the second set, Joy was accompanied by Michael MacPhee on acoustic guitar. He made that instrument moan and rock – a particularly talented performance.

You couldn't miss the camaraderie and flow between them. The third set, with Joy accompanied by the band, was hard-core rock with even awkward persons grooving to the sounds.

Songs that stood out in my mind included the country-themed 'Island Home' where she commented on Bermuda's beauty, safety, history and housing. No-one else can lend equal control to both opera and country and still make you understand and appreciate it.

Another was 'Your Song' a gentle love song whose notes dropped on you like rain and rippled into your soul.

The heartfelt 'You Can't See Me' was haunting in its message of being true to one's self instead of pretending to be someone else. While others might have to scream out the high notes written here, Joy draws on her training and passion to be in command of the composition.

Whatever money you have to buy music, purchase this disc. Hat's off gentlemen – a genius. Joy has arrived.