Christine Collister: Britain's Best Unknown Singer

The Isle of Man is a tiny little Island 33 x 13 miles in size with some 80,000 inhabitants that sits slap-bang in the middle of the Irish Sea, midway between the Irish and English coasts (mcb.net/iom). Unobtrusive and probably an afterthought as a tourist destination by most Britons, it is chiefly recognized for its rather odd Coat of Arms, which at its center depicts three conjoined, medieval armored legs that look like the aftermath of a three-legged knight having fallen from a great height.

Aside from their three legged anomaly the Island is famous for............ (insert silence here)...Yes, well, not much of anything really. What they should be extremely proud of however is their completely wonderful musical gift to the world in the shape of home-grown singer 'Christine Collister' owner of one of the most gorgeous voices you are ever likely to hear hold a note. Whilst I hate to push my own personal musical tastes upon people I think it's high time this lady got at least some of the recognition she deserves. Her virtual anonymity both in Britain and the U.S. is disappointing as she is one the best female vocalists to ever come out of the British Isles. However luckily for us she has made many CD's and her output is readily available if not in the stores then online.

From her fledgling days accompanying the excellent singer/guitarist/songwriter 'Clive Gregson' (formerly of the pub-rock band 'Any Trouble') from 86' with their 1st album 'Home and Away' right through to 92' until their split in 1992 with their last album together appropriately titled 'Last Word' and on into her solo career this lady has consistently delivered beautiful renderings of established rock/pop/folk/jazz/country/blues songs with the occasional original composition in-between. What separates her from the pack is her deeply rich and soulful voice. As other reviewers have attested, a true gift from god.

Of all her CD's I find myself coming back to her Live CD titled rather un-inspirationally 'Live', recorded back in 1994 in her homeland of the Isle of Man. In an intimate setting (you can hear how small the room is) she delivers a completely gorgeous set, her voice soaring into the air with a self-assured power you won't often hear. With relaxed humor, warmth and enthusiasm she playfully converses with the crowd in-between tracks. Vaguely familiar songs are re-interpreted with heart-warming passion and she really shines on this CD, displaying her vocal range wonderfully. The acoustics compliment her voice perfectly here giving you the sense of being in the room with her. For me her voice has become a familiar friend - reassuring, relaxing, warm and open. Her voice sits on the lower register with a slightly husky tone and when it starts to build you can feel your skin goose bump as you find yourself listening to something that's beyond just words and music. Something that resonates in your soul. It's an indefinable quality and something you rarely find but when you do you know to hold onto it and cherish it.

She has also recorded as part of a one-off group of assorted British singers calling themselves 'Daphne's Flight' and this too is worth a listen. Of her work with Clive Gregson I would recommend her 1st collaboration 'Home & Away' from 1988, which again is in a live environment and really shows that in the studio or out Christine Collister's voice is truly a gift from the heavens. Check out 'www.christinecollister.com' for her latest information and CD releases which includes video & audio clips.