Posted on 08/01/2005 1:45:21 PM PDT by Al Simmons
“It’s a mighty thin line between certain kinds of country and classic rhythm and blues. Look at John Hiatt. Or Bonnie Raitt. Or Chris Webster. The singer/songwriter from Davis, California (known to many as one of the dynamic singers in the NorCal eclectic septet Mumbo Gumbo) blends the two styles in a way that has distanced her from the country mainstream but endeared her to fans of soulful singing. Webster’s is an authoritative voice that manages to make existential angst, romantic confusion and spiritual longing sound uncommonly appealing. Each note she sings conveys a probing, acute sensitivity to the little complications of life and love, with a sexy edge to boot- Webster is a real find, a great singer who has found her voice but not her niche. It may simply be a matter of finding an audience that doesn’t care about musical boundaries. At that point, there will be little talk of country or soul; there will only be praise for one of the finest voices in any genre.” - No Depression
“With a winsome, evocative voice that conveys pain and longing as easily as it does joy and hope, Webster brings a fervent depth to each song.” - Country Standard Time
“Some seven years ago, Mumbo Gumbo’s Chris Webster released her debut solo CD Drive,which in my mind set a high-water mark for local releases rivaled by very few since. Leave it to Chris to non-chalantly offer up her latest release and nudge that water mark ever higher. Now Playing was recorded live at the old Palms Playhouse, but it sounds so good you might think it was recorded in some high-fallutin’ studio if not for the enthusiastic applause following each amazing performance. As many times as I’ve seen Chris live, this CD makes me realize it hasn’t been enough. Simply put, Chris Webster is a great songwriter and she has some of the best musicians you could find playing on these tracks, but it is her ability as a vocalist that is her true gift. Chris’ soulful, sultry delivery is great when she’s singing some of her own songs like “Round & Round” or “Love Makes Me Stupid,” but it’s when she takes on songs by others that her artistry is in top form. Her genuine respect and love of her craft is apparent not only in the beauty of her performances, but also in the tasteful selection of songs she covers. Chris sings Rodgers and Hart’s “Blue Moon,” in the woeful, plaintive style of Sun Sessions Elvis (complete with the long, sad howl...) She tackles the old standard “Since I Fell For You,” as if she were channeling Etta James (who isn’t even dead!) Steve Earle’s “Valentine’s Day” has NEVER sounded better,and for good measure she throws in a couple of songs from British singer/songwriter Clive Gregson, whose “It’s All Just Talk,” is one of the album’s best moments. Now Playing is a music lover’s dream.” -Alive and Kicking, Sacramento
“Delicious - from beginning to end - a triumph of substance and style and a revelation to anyone who has only seen her with Mumbo Gumbo.” -The Monterey County Herald
I thought that Freepers who have an interest in GREAT and varied pop/country/blues/zydeco/standards would be very interested to hear her sing (samples of her songs can be listened to on her website:
http://www.babyswan.com
Her work with the band Mumbo Gumbo can be sampled at the band's website:
http://www.mumbogumbo.com
If you are a lover of GREAT American music, check her out. You won't be disappointed.
Below are just a few of the reviews that her albums (3 solo and 7 with Mumbo Gumbo) have rated.
Is this cheesy kind of promotion allowed on FR?
She sounds like another white chick singing folk music.
I just thought that Freepers who have an interest in good music might find it interesting. If you don't no one is twisting your arm to read this thread.
Cheers, "Al"
Well, I don't know much about her singing, but I just love her dictionary!
(subtle laughter)
...and blues, country, zydeco, rock...you get the idea...she is very versatile...
Al, fabulous find. Thank you so much. Best thing that's happened all day.
Ordering now.
Are you aware of Iris Dement? If not, get to know her.
No I'm not. I'll Google and see what comes up.
Thanks! Al
I'm sure you know about Eva Cassidy... Songbird does it for me!
She has a dictionary, too?
Sorry Mr. J. Meant to address Al. I don't get your joke about the dictionary. My dumb.
Dictionary.
*grin*
NFP
*BUMP* this thread.
*BUMP* AGAIN.
*BUMP* again
*bump*
bump?
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