|
christine santelli.com |
| Contact Us | |
| Press |
|
||
|
The Christine Santelli Band Well we had cold weather coming from the north, the market had gone south, there was nothing happening out east, so I decided to head west and see if the musical prospects seemed any better. The night started well, I found a parking space on Thompson right off Bleeker. The first person I ran into was the un-official mayor of the West Village, "Flier Bob" holding court at the corner of Walk and Don't Walk. There is nobody more informed than Bob and the plea for musical direction soon had me going up the stairs to Mondo Cane's Art Deco, a serious drinking bar to see the Christine Santelli Blues Band, an organization I've listened to for a while, but never experienced live. Introducing myself to Ms. Santelli, I was informed the band had two substitutes that night. Guitarist and harmonica player Hugh Poole was playing, and happily sitting in on electric bass was Michael Merit of The Conan O'Brian Show. Those who attended this year's guitar show at Five Towns College will remember Michael for the outstanding work he did with the house band. This evening was turning out to be an event. Starting with a deeply grooved instrumental, Merit and drummer Matt Mousseau locked immediately. Poole's leads could only be described as icy, startling and blue tinted, Mike Lattrell laid down a bed of luxurious chords and melodies. His keyboard playing was a combination of power and passion, an air ride cushion for the band. Bringing Santelli up to the stage, the energy never dropped as they launched into "Caledonia" with Mousseau smacking his cymbals like they owed him money. Christine has a sultry voice oozing sex while shouting class. Dropping the energy, but turning up the heat, the band did a very torchy "Fine and Mellow." Next a train beat driven "If You Love Me Like You Say" had Mouseau driving the band like a Tennessee State Trooper after a New York Speeder! The band broke the song down until only bass drum and Poole's harmonica were left. My favorite memory of the night was the grin on Merit's face. It was a look that said "I've got the best seat in the house, and they're paying me too." Nice work if you can get it. The next tune had Santelli pull out her own guitar, leading the band through "Love Me Like A Man." The crowd went absolutely berserk as the band plowed through this one. Again Mousseau was assaulting his cymbals with an intensity usually reserved for brothers-in law and tax auditors, while Poole strangled his guitar. I was tempted to check the neck for fingerprints. If the music hadn't been so great I might have called 911. Ending the first set was a shuffling version of "You Can Have My Husband, (But Please Don't You Mess With My Man)", saw Poole, armed with an ancient Silvertone playing some of the tastiest slide I have heard in a long time. I don't know why, but this song seems to be playing out a lot nowadays, and while the women singing along doesn't bother me, all the winking is a little bit disconcerting. I see a lot of bands, and this is one I would have no trouble giving a recommendation. In fact, if you want to go see them, give me a call and maybe I'll go with you. The band appears all over the city when they are not touring Europe. Check the calendar. -- Joe Grandwilliams
|
||