From the first fiery note to the last whispery phrase, Christine Rosander’s sultry voice grabs hold and doesn’t let go, stirring up yearning and desire long after a song has ended.
Her debut CD, Smooth Ride (Devcat Records), produced by Jane Getz and Bob Tucker, introduces Christine as an emerging voice of tomorrow’s music -- with sounds that cross cultural, ethnic, and gender boundaries to span generations. A one woman melting pot, her style melds pop, rhythm and blues, rock, jazz, folk, and country into a unique, powerful, and sensitive musical identity. She sings stories of human existence and her own life, and retells the sorrows and joys of being alive.
“With my singing, everything is instinctive …everything,” says Christine. “It’s a reflection of my feelings, memories, and intuition.”
Smooth Ride is what Christine calls “an accidental concept album” because its diversity of styles and emotions makes a statement. “I believe that my audiences are people who long for interesting musical experiences in songs that speak to their lives. My music is an invitation to participate in something fresh.”
Her strong and sexy style blends playful to poignant influences including the emotion of Rickie Lee Jones, the folk voice of Joni Mitchell, the sophisticated blues of Nina Simone, the storytelling panache of Billie Holiday, the rock-jazz feeling of Donald Fagan, the country pop attitude of the Dixie Chicks, and powerful songwriting influences such as the Beatles, CSNY, Bread, and many more. Each becomes undeniably her own.
Smooth Ride came together like a slow avalanche. Christine started recording with Louis Van Taylor on two of the more jazz oriented sides; he then suggested that veteran keyboardist Jane Getz take over. That led to the involvement of Jane’s husband, noted producer, recordist, and musician, Bob Tucker. They began to record in Bob and Jane’s new studio. Jane’s writing for Christine suggested new possibilities. Christine’s own writing began to reflect more influences, so that her style was enriched and transformed. The album emerged over a long development arc. It ends with the first songs recorded and begins with the last written, the title track “Smooth Ride.”
Christine began singing solos publicly at the age of five, encouraged by her mother, a choir director and music teacher. She studied classical piano and was fascinated by gospel. Later, Christine earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and commercial composing and arranging from Cal State Long Beach. She went on to receive a master’s degree in music from USC. A professional musician, singer, and performer, she expects to continue teaching voice and piano while she presents her new music to her growing aggregation of fans.