Songbird

In one sense "Songbird" represents a tour through Christine Collister's solo career since the break up in 1992 of her critically acclaimed partnership with Clive Gregson. On another level it offers us a glimpse at the musical journey she intends to follow. Eight tracks are taken from her previous solo releases, and this semi-retrospective makes available some rarities that have appeared only on other collaborations, compilations or CD singles. If you have a PC with a CD-Rom facility, as well as the music, you get additional notes about the songs and biographical information about the singer.

Throughout her solo adventure Collister has drawn a firm line under the songs written by Gregson. As well as developing her musical independence, by becoming a more accomplished guitar performer, she has unearthed a song writing talent, in partnership with close friends, most notably Helen Watson.

There are four new recordings on this 15 track CD. The title track was written by Christine McVie and appeared originally on the 1970s Fleetwood Mac best selling album, "Rumours". Collister injects feeling and warmth into the song while maintaining the simplicity of the original.

"Driving Past", co-written with Watson and Lynda Turner, is a lament for love gone wrong and the temptation to try again - the reality is that 'driving past' is the option of the head if not the heart, an act of self delusion. Recording Smokey Robinson's, "Tracks of my tears", thankfully made available on this collection, demonstrates Collister's versatility. Her voice is well suited to Motown and the song is habitually well received at her live performances.

The other new track is the Lal Waterson/Oliver knight song, "Cornfield", with McShee and Watson again doing the honours on background vocals. Howard Lees and Ruari McFarlane have been regular recording and touring companions and their quality guitar playing is in evidence on several of the tracks, as is the percussion work of Gerry Conway. Vocal harmonies from the likes of Watson and Jacqui McShee certainly help - as if she need any - to raise the goose bumps.

The CD provides an impressive portfolio of Collister's music for existing fans and potential converts. She covers songs by an array of recognised contemporary songwriters from both sides of the Atlantic, including long time mentor (or would he prefer tormentor!) Richard Thompson, Robert Wyatt, Randy Newman, Tom Waitts and Jesse Winchester. Disappointing exclusions - Bruce Cockburn's, 'Whole Night Sky' and Sam Phillips', 'Private Storm'; disappointing inclusion - 'Black Eyed Dog' by the late and over lamented, Nick Drake.

Seven years on and Collister has found a musical direction that enables her to develop her vocal talents and musical abilities to the full. It should only a matter of time before she gets the wider recognition she undoubtedly deserves. "Songbird" is a valuable introduction to Christine Collister's solo work and confirms that, whether inside or outside the folk world, she is one of this generation's foremost vocal talents.