Maybe it was the threat of icy streets on the hill top or the mid-week-recoup-for-shopping-blues. In either case it was a light night at the El Diablo but the music was overflowing the room. I took out early from my usual Tuesday Night Honey Bear Victory Open Mic to try to catch the heart of Christie’s solo set and I was in luck.
            The first time I heard Christie is was at a Hotwire Coffeehouse Open Mic about 18 months ago and I wondered why I hadn’t heard her before. Even then she had a polished shine on her songs.  Next time I caught up with her she was playing gigs with Michael Guthrie and I began to appreciate her musicianship. She has a wonderful feel for finding harmonies and enhancing any style she plays. What struck me most about Christie was her guitar playing. Now, I know a lot of people with Taylors, present company included, but she really knows how to change the shades and hues to compliment each song she plays. Ah, the beauty of steel n wood in the right hands.
            Back at the El Diablo, Christie was in full swing and belting out lines in her distinctive beautiful voice. Her singing reminds me of the conviction of a Carly Simon sung anthem. She has great power in her voice and can use it to deliver strong lyrical lines. Ken was breaking in a new sound system that will serve Christie well as she plays bigger venues.
            Among the attendance was accomplished singer/songwriter Steve Wacker who, like myself, thoroughly enjoyed Christies’ performance.
            Talking with Christie and Ken I learned some exciting news.  The wheels are turning as they prepare to go into the studio and get serious about recording her first CD Project. In the mean time, if you go to her website there are five cuts you can listen to. All in all an evening well spent and good luck with the new CD, Christie.

Ron