A Distant Call represents Susan Ashton's most polished work to date, and it's no wonder, considering the 1996 release was produced by three of the best in the business--Wayne Kirkpatrick, Brown Bannister, and Michael Omartian. The rolling melodies in "You Move Me" and "Body and Soul" provide a lush soundscape for Ashton's magnificent vocals. She can growl in the gritty rocker "Crooked Man" or serenade you with the lullaby-like "Spinning Like a Wheel." And for good measure, Ashton goes country in "Love Profound," which features the expert strings of Alison Krauss. The song selection for this release may not be as strong as Ashton's self-titled 1993 gem, but it's still better than most. --Michael Lyttle