Christine Santelli - Any Better Time (2009)

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Christine Santelli - Any Better Time (2009)

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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 nod to New Orleans, a strange and carnivalesuqe 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, an 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.–by Rick Anderson

1. Good Day for a Hangin' 3:46
2. Guilty 3:25
3. Ponytails 2:57
4. Any Better Time 3:04_Play_
5. Down in the Valley 2:56
6. Butterfly 4:18
7. Calgary 2:13
8. Lily's Song 3:28_Play_
9. Brown Haired Girl 2:31
10. Ode to Bill 5:02
11. For You 2:47
12. Sparrow 3:18
13. On the Farm 1:44_Play_

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Christine Santelli - Any Better Time (2009)

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BIO: What a rarity it is to find an artist who can blend elements of blues, soul, country and folk into one unique expressive form of music they can call their own. The music of Christine Santelli is an art she can truly call her own.Santelli's newest release, the mult-layered "Any Better Time", allows her dynamite voice to take center stage in the spotlight, as this musical and artistic master work gives a first-hand tour through the timeless American musical landscape. The album consists of 13 heartfelt original compositions with profound lyrics, infectious melodies and mainstream appeal.Santelli's music is full of depth and tales of her life. The story of her talent and musical-evolution is just as intriguing.A born music lover from Albany, New York, Christine Santelli began singing, playing, writing and performing at a very young age. Her talents lead her to form her first professional band, the now defunct Christine & the Dickens, while still in her teens; then came the touring.After performing extensively throughout the northeast with the Dickens, Christine Santelli moved the group to New York City. In 1994, Christine wrote and recorded her first CD, "24 Hours", and soon booked her first international tour in France. Recordings of these performances are now well known as "Live in Paris", Christine's second release. The CD led to tours across South Africa, Spain and Russia. Subsequently, recordings surfaced from performances in Moscow. The content was so strong that it was soon released as "Moscow Live".Back in New York, Christine was voted "Blues Artist of the Year (deserving wider recognition)" by Downbeat Magazine. After several more overseas tours, Christine completed the writing and recording of her fourth album, "Season of a Child", produced by blues-rocker, Popa Chubby. This album led to two Scandinavian tours along with major radio play and recognition. Soon, she found herself headlining major festivals and sharing stages with many well-known artists such as Kim Wilson and Eric Burdon.After touring had settled down, at least for a little while, Christine found the time to write and record her fifth album, "Christine Santelli". The record release was followed by tours throughout Norway and Switzerland, during which Christine performed two shows at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival, where she shared the bill with revered blues woman, Bonnie Raitt and guitar legend,Steve Cropper.Christine's sixth CD, "Tales From the Red Room", was welcomed with open arms by fans and critics alike. The album, inspired by Christine's solo acoustic work, has been well- received and showcases her versatility within the realms of singing and songwriting. Singer Universe Magazine selected Christine as the "Best Vocalist of the Month" in late 2006 for her song "One More Day". Most recently, Christine has toured in Switzerland and Germany, and now has completed her seventh CD.Produced by VizzTone Label Mate, Dave Gross, "Any Better Time" is a soulful, gritty, musical literature that speaks of the many years of touring, hard-work and artistic growth that has led Christine Santelli to this very, exciting point in her 20 some odd year-long career.Today, Christine has a growing legion of devoted fans who can't get enough of her seemingly endless on-stage energy, and her powerful vocal delivery. It is Christine Santelli's golden voice that has kept the twenty-years-worth of fans she has garnered coming back for more. The soulful, gritty, honest and emotive sounds that come out of this petite powerhouse when she sings are unique, moving and instantly familiar and appealing.From a career rooted in the blues, to a never ending artistic journey that explores roots music at its finest, such is the tale of Christine Santelli.