Chris Webster Drive Genres:Pop, Rock After four eclectic albums behind the wheel of Mumbo Gumbo, Chris Webster emerges with her first solo spin. Although it's got plenty of horses under the hood--a couple of well-chosen covers (Van Morrison, Randy Newman) to ... more »bolster a solid batch of Webster originals and the able assistance of decorated veterans like the Memphis Horns and Nashville steel guru Al Perkins--Drive doesn't quite reach its destination. Webster's voice, though robust, lacks sass. And even the all-star sidemen have trouble breaking through the production's high gloss. That said, Drive manages a pleasant approximation of k. d. lang's genre-hopping country-pop. Like lang, Webster dips her fingers into soul and R&B, adding a dash of Cajun spice with the swampy accordion on "Circles in the Wind." Here's hoping that next time out, Webster won't be so hesitant to roll down the windows and put her foot to the floor. --Anders Smith-Lindall« less
After four eclectic albums behind the wheel of Mumbo Gumbo, Chris Webster emerges with her first solo spin. Although it's got plenty of horses under the hood--a couple of well-chosen covers (Van Morrison, Randy Newman) to bolster a solid batch of Webster originals and the able assistance of decorated veterans like the Memphis Horns and Nashville steel guru Al Perkins--Drive doesn't quite reach its destination. Webster's voice, though robust, lacks sass. And even the all-star sidemen have trouble breaking through the production's high gloss. That said, Drive manages a pleasant approximation of k. d. lang's genre-hopping country-pop. Like lang, Webster dips her fingers into soul and R&B, adding a dash of Cajun spice with the swampy accordion on "Circles in the Wind." Here's hoping that next time out, Webster won't be so hesitant to roll down the windows and put her foot to the floor. --Anders Smith-Lindall
CD Reviews
This album's fine but doesn't showcase Webster's potential!
Suzanne LeBaron | Bodega Bay, CA United States | 01/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Last summer, I heard Chris Webster for the first time at the Kate Wolf Memorial Festival in Occidental. She sang solo, without her band, and (I think, it's been a while...) was accompanied only by Nina Gerber on guitar. She absolutely knocked my socks off! The audience loved her. She performed in a sleeveless black turtleneck, jeans with a heavy black leather belt, and sunglasses. She had no "country" flavor at all, and without her band, her music lost most of it's "twang," instead taking on a raw, bluesy strength that seemed amazing coming from one little woman. She even adopted the classic blues stance, arms bent at the elbows, hands all expression...Then I rushed out and bought "Drive".Now, "Drive" is a ok album and I'll happily give it four stars. But, I speak from experience when I say that it doesn't begin to showcase what Chris Webster can do. Many of the songs I heard at the festival are on "Drive," but on the album, they're presented as pallid country send-ups of fine folksy-blues power songs. The problem isn't Webster, it's her band and the production of the album in general.When I played it for my friend who attended the concert with me, she kept insisting it wasn't the same woman. In fact, I thought I had bought the wrong CD too, and then I heard "I'm Driving" and realized that is was by the same artist -- a watered-down version of the same song. "I'm Driving," sung the way Webster performed it live, has anthem potential... she had the audience whooping and hooting in the afternoon sun. But on the album it is a pink wine spritzer compared to the live version's shot of tequilla gold.My specific complaints: Webster's presentation on the album lacks the soul of her live performance. The band frequently overrides her, and spends way to much time going "boom-chink, boom chink, boom-chink." This album smacks of bad advice. Someone is trying to "position" Webster as a commercially-viable country queen, and in the process is hiding her light under a ten-gallon hat!My recommendation to Chris -- find Nina Gerber (the absolute stringed instrument goddess!), beg her to assemble your band and produce your next album.My advice to the listener -- buy the album, enjoy it, get to know the music, and then go find Chris live. She'll blow you away!"
Hidden gem
chercat | 09/03/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I happened upon this wonderful CD by searching around for similar artists and was directed here .
I kept listening to snippets of the songs and ws immediately attracted to the unique and powerful , yet soulfully pure , voice of Chris Webster . I was hooked and knew I had to buy this Cd .
This is a very eclectic Cd - with songs that are alternative country( Circles in the Wind), blues ( Shake on it ) folk ( Candybars and Freedom) and even a gospel-style song (Angel Choir ) which is hauntingly beautiful .
The singer sounds a lot like Bonnie Raitt, Michelle Wright and ,at times, Karen Carpenter - each song is sung with raw emotion, intensity and pathos .
Her rendition of Real Emotional Girl is sparse , with just a piano for accompaniment and the arrangement works - it surpasses the renditon of the original artist.
I really enjoy just about every track on this Cd , which is a rarity . I have to give it five stars because it is virtually flawless ."
What a pleasant surprise!
Donald R Schwabe | 05/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this on basis of a few cuts I heard on the local folkie public radio station. After a listen or two I was blown away by Ms. Websters voice, her arrangements, and her song writing abilities. As good as anything Tricia Yearwood, Mary Chapin-carpenter, or Linda Ronstadt have ever recored. She's an amazing undiscovered talent and I'm truly stunned that she is not recognized more on a national level. I'm anxiously waiting for her next CD."
Amazing talent
Deanna Nicole Davis | 04/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been listening to Chris Webster for nearly 20 years. Seems impossible that it could be that long. I first absorbed the power of Chris' performance at a small venue in Nevada City, CA and I've carried her songs in my mind ever since. With rich and powerful vocals, Chris mixes blues, country and rock in a way that leaves you wanting more. I prefer her solo efforts where she can reach deep and stir your soul. Her first effort in "Drive", and again in her "Now Playing" CD's she proves she can hold her own with the likes of of Cheryl Crow and Nora Jones."
