christine santelli

*"That special blend of maturity, musical prowess, and magic. It doesn't come around very often, but she's got it. She's got it good."* nippertown.com "The diversity of musical styles keep you glued from the first track to the last" Roger Z , More Sugar *"They maybe sitting on a powder keg when the world finds out ..."* David McGee, Bluegrassspecial.com *"Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow. This is what panties smell like after an engine rebuild."* Patty, HybridMagazine.com *"A solid roots rock winner" Rick Anderson, All music guide "lush vocals, confident guitar licks, and vibrant storytelling, one tumbles into her world, which is richly hypnotic"* Diana Schwaeble, Hudson Current "This performer shines like a diamond polished by years of experience" Mr Lucky, cede.ch "Delightfully ferocious" Chris Spector, Midwest Records "The back beat driven "Butterfly and Beatle-esque "Any Better Time" are first class classics in the making." David Malachowski, Daily Freeman "She smolders" Albany Times "Her deep, dark voice will take you on a joy ride and not let go. This is one talented lady!" GoGirlsMusic.com Bluegrassspecial.com by David McGee http://thebluegrassspecial.com/archive/May2009/siciliasantellifeaturemay09.php Midwest Records by Chris Spector CHRISTINE SANTELLI/Any Better Time: Think Bonnie Raitt without trying to crack the pop charts, and if you aren’t familiar with this vet road warrior, now you have a capsule head’s up on this blues/roots rocker that’s been winning them over one at a time. A solid, strong set that has her right in your face getting the message and the word out, this is blues with a rock edge that’s more New York than Chicago or Delta. Delightfully ferocious and forceful, this is for anyone that wished, say, Marcia Ball had more of a down and dirty edge to her party vibe. Hot stuff that deserves wider recognition (as it was already said by Downbeat). cede.ch by Mr. Lucky Beautiful new CD by the musician from New York who is well-known in our country since her performances at several festivals including an appearance in Montreux. Her music is always original, musically versatile and full of energy. It is heartfelt and engaging and always a pleasure to listen to. Nowadays we use the term ' power-woman' way too frequently but here it is absolutely appropriate. Her live performances are a special treat of outstanding quality. This performer shines like a diamant polished by years of experience in the US and other parts of the world. She is a brilliant entertainer, guitarist, vocalist and ... yes, easy on the eyes as well. Daily Freeman by David Malachowski A former native of Clifton Park now living New York City, Christine Santelli has been busy making a name for herself, releasing seven CDs, winning awards and playing all the right clubs and festivals, even in Europe, where she performed at the famed Montreux Jazz Festival. Her latest release, “Any Better Time,” kicks off with the confidant and reflective, “Good Day For Hangin’,” where her sultry growl digs deep into the lyric. Next up, guitarist Arthur Neilson (Shemekia Copeland) stirs up the pot with some fierce licks in “Guilty,” one of Santelli’s finest moments as she simply soars in this ode to temptation. It seems the less is going on, the more Santelli shines, like in the poignant “Ponytails” or the bleak “Down In The Valley,” and in the spare “Calgary,” the delicate “Brown Haired Girl” and the hoe-down “On the Farm.” Santelli’s voice has always been strong, flexible and able to bring life to any tune, but with this release her songwriting is catching up, maybe even in the passing lane. The back-beat driven “Butterfly” and Beatle-esque “Any Better Time” are first-class classics in waiting. The “Jacque Brel-like “For You” is a curious departure, while “Lily’s Song” has a country flavor. A sure highpoint is “Ode To Bill,” dedicated to late great guitarist Bill Perry. Santelli just wails here as guitar-slinger Popa Chubby’s fine fiery guitar licks take it over the top. (Bill is surely smiling in guitar heaven). Santelli really comes into her own with this release, and it couldn’t be at any better time. Visit www.christinesantelli.com or www.myspace.com/christinesantelli David Malachowski is a guitarist, producer and freelance journalist living in Woodstock. The Freeman seeks CDs by local artists or artists appearing locally for review. Please send all CDs (please no CD-Rs or demo CDs) to Daily Freeman c/o Preview, 79 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401.
CHRISTINE SANTELLI has been a legendary presence in theblues and roots singer-songwriter underground since the mid-90's. Firmly establishing herself in the NYC music scene that spawned the likes of Joan Osborne and Jimmy Vivino, she was voted "Blues Artist of the Year (Deserving Wider Recognition)" in Downbeat Magazine's 46th annual critic's poll. She crossed the Atlantic to perform triumphant shows in Paris, Madrid and Moscow, which were later released as live recordings. Internation touring continued with many trips to South Africa, Norway, Germany and Switzerland, and included an acclaimed performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Back in the USA, Christine's 2002 CD, Season of a Child (co-produced by Popa Chubby) garnered further raves. On Any Better Time (release date 3/17/09), Christine brings her signature style and unmistakeable grit-and-soul vocals to thirteen brand new original songs, produced by Dave Gross. In an early review, The Daily Freeman's Dave Malachowski declares, "Santelli really comes into her own with this release, and it couldn't be at any better time." for more information, visit: www.christinesantelli.com
No better time for singer Santelli New release for blues/rock maven by Diana Schwaeble There is perhaps no better time to embrace original music. Christine Santelli’s latest album Any Better Time draws the listener in and doesn’t let go. With her lush vocals, confident guitar licks, and vibrant storytelling, one tumbles into her world, which is richly hypnotic: a broken down truck, a darkened bar, and a guitar playin’ man are all featured on the musician’s seventh album. The latest CD, released on March 17, contains a baker’s dozen of songs that showcase her skill as a songwriter and a performer. Fans can hear selections from her latest album when she plays a show with the full band on Tuesday, April 21 at the Dubliner in Hoboken. Emotional tapestry The album, which was produced by Dave Gross and VizzTone Label Group, is a fusion of genres. It blends simple blues truths and country sensibility mixed with a rock base. _____________ Her low-pitched vocals are rich with emotion – weaving up the scale and around the drums – in the aptly titled “Butterfly.” ________ Santelli bares her heart on this album with a rewarding result. Fans of the local singer will recognize in the songs stories that are at once sadly knowing, yet defiantly hopeful. Her low-pitched vocals are rich with emotion – weaving up the scale and around the drums – in the aptly titled “Butterfly.” “And when you’re flying way up high, I will be near by. And when you’re tangled up in the trees, you know where I’ll be. Fly on, fly on, fly on, my little butterfly.” “Ode to Bill” is a moving tribute to a “guitar playin’ man” who travels the world playing guitar: “Made a lot of records soon to be a star. He was a guitar playin’ man – a guitar playin’ man.” Yet as good as those two songs are, it is perhaps the title track that listeners will go back to again and again if only to hear the Santelli’s lively foot tapping anthem: “Any Better Time.” Well-known local Jersey City resident Santelli has made her mark in the blues scene and at many local venues since the mid-nineties. She personally nurtured and began the popular series of open-mic nights in Hoboken that feature singer-songwriters and include a pool of talented musicians who participate regularly. Her series is now at the Dubliner in Hoboken and includes Saturday afternoons, and nights on Sunday through Tuesday. The well-known Popa Chubby, has stopped by the scene and also plays on her latest album. The album also includes bandmates Matt Mousseau (drums), Tim Tindall (electric bass, upright bass), Jason Green (guitar, banjo), and musicians Brian Mitchell (Wurlitzer, piano), Arthur Nielson (guitar), Dave Gross (guitar), Gibb Wharton (pedal steel), and Mazz Swift (violin). In addition to her large local following, she has gained international renown at shows in Paris, Madrid, the Montreal Jazz Festival, among others. Whether or not listeners are familiar with Santelli’s music, they should appreciate the new album – which put simply – soars. She captivates the listener with her gritty passion that shines through whether she is softly singing a melancholy ballad or passionately engaging in a foot-stamping rock song. Christine Santelli will play at the Ear Inn in Manhattan on Wednesday, April 8 and at the Dubliner, on Tuesday, April 21 at 9:30.No better time for singer Santelli New release for blues/rock maven
FROM THE BILLBOARD WEBSITE: "a solid roots rock winner" Album Review On her seventh CD, blues-rocker Christine Santelli shows off her stylistic versatility with a varied program that includes a couple of excursions into country, a not to New Orleans, a strange and carnivalesque number, and plenty of straight-up roots rock. The focus here is on her voice, which is interesting: at its best, it's a dark, smoky, and richly textured instrument, while at its worst it can be almost painfully scratchy and raw. Santelli's songwriting is grittily mature, and on highlight tracks like the sultry "Guilty," the softly gorgeous "Brown Haired Girl," and the straightforward blues-rock of "Sparrow," the vulnerability of the lyrics and her intimate vocal delivery come together perfectly. Her sidemen are also worth noting; Tim Tindall's basslines are self-effacing but utterly perfect on "Butterfly," and Brian Mitchell's barrelhouse piano adds a very nice swamp-boogie element to the title track. "Calgary" is built on a minimal and lovely arrangement that showcases Santelli's voice at its roughest, and effect that detracts from the song in a few places, and the album-closing "On the Farm" sounds almost like a Hee Haw parody. But for the most part, this album is a solid roots rock winner. - Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
ARTS Rent Party Pays in Full Willie Nile, Chistine Santelli rocked the house. By Drew Dix \| Email the author \| June 19, 2010 Zoom PHOTOS (6) Your photos, videos & PDFs: Add The gorgeous twilight on June 11 was about to give way to a cool evening, but still bathed the Elks Club with abundant yellow sunshine. "I wish the sun would go down; it's killing my rock 'n roll vibe," begged Chris Dickson, rent Party bandlord and show organizer. The fading star soon dropped behind South Mountain and the party was on. Pre-show, headliner Willie Nile weaved among the gathering crowd, relaxed and talkative and behaving like a regular. He then eagerly took a seat to hear opening act Christine Santelli. "I didn't exactly study my instrument…my guitar teacher told me I was the worst student ever!" admitted Santelli as she immediately set out to demonstrate the success she's had self-taught. With a solo acoustic set of pain and perseverance, she delivered a moving string of powerful, cautionary tales. "She's the real deal," Nile whispered to me, truly entranced. "Ode to Bill" was a "paean to guitar playin' man Bill Perry," sung with guts and raw emotion—an unabashed warning to avoid life's traps and pitfalls. "Good Day for a Hangin'" featured another gushing vocal performance and a fearless exploration into life's dark recesses: "I have waited for that Greyhound bus to make that stop- I have waited for the other shoe to drop…" Santelli embraced the crowd, mixing a brilliant smile with moody pouts and soft vocal caresses. Nile's elbow made contact with my ribs as he moved to take the stage: "Check out that pickin'!" he hissed. Nile quickly took over the show with his prowling, stomping trio (Frankie Lee, kick drum & snare; Johnny Pisano, bass), creating a sound fueled by generous energy and outstanding songwriting skills that have placed him in the ranks of Hiatt and Springsteen for decades. His songs chronicle winding journeys through bad breaks and hard knocks, and songs of gratitude and appreciation. Alone or with partners, he triumphs with brass balls optimism, communicating that we can make it if we try, but I'm gonna kick your ass if you get in our way. "Sometimes I'm on my way, sometimes there's Hell to pay…" The trio charged through a cross section of tunes from Nile's records old and new; from his 1992 release "Hard Times in America" though last year's "House of Guitars" and his soon to be released album, "The Innocent Ones." Midway through the set, he got the Elks Club jumping with a thundering cover of Percy Mayfield's' "Hit the Road, Jack," inciting the obliging crowd to wail along. Nile called up Christine Santelli to drive the choruses, and brought the house down as he jumped from stage to chair to amplifier. He followed with the deeply retrospective ballad "On the Road to Calvary," written for close friend, deceased songwriter Jeff Buckley: I saw St. Christopher walking downtown on main With Black Madonna fingers holding a flame I saw an eagle rising out of the blue I heard a car crash it reminded me of you You carry me across the mighty river You lift me up above the raging sea You give me all this love you deliver Straight to my back porch on the road to calvary" Jarring and beautiful was Nile's tribute to 9/11, "Cell Phones Ringing (in the Pockets of the Dead)," inspired by a headline Nile saw about the train bombings in Madrid. "Vagabond Moon" featured Pisano's penetrating bass licks and a driving bridge. All evening, Nile frequently stepped away to feature his fellow musicians, and added Santelli to his set several times. Not satisfied, the sold-out Rent Partiers demanded an encore, and Nile blew 'em out with The Ramones classic "I Wanna Be Sedated," sending a dizzy, energized crowd into the night. It was a top-notch Rent Party bill and a fitting close to a successful performance season at the Elks.