Search - Stone Cupid, Julie Christensen :: Soul Driver

MORE HOMEGROWN SOULFUL MUSIC FROM THE OJAI DIVA

Raymond Jones | LOS ANGELES, CA | 09/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I admit, I'm biased as Julie is a friend and collaborator. In fact we co-wrote a song on this CD (Pretend I'm Your Girlfriend). With that out of the way, let me explain why I LOVE this CD. Julie has been forced by virtue of the industry to make music on her own terms or fade away. Julie will not go away quietly. She is here to move and challenge us into listening to sensual songs for grown-ups with thoughtful lyrics and passionate singing. Songs like Travelling Companion have been in her repitoire for years and she takes listener on a ride that moves your spirit and soul. One of my favorite songs is Shipwreck, a blues that sounds like it was written from the perspective of a beat writer of the 50's. In your face yet symbolic and sensual, this and other songs challenge categorization. In the end, just consider it great music by an artist deserving of much wider attention."

SOULDRIVER.

Patrice Webb | 09/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WHEN YOU LISTEN TO JULIE SING, it's like taking a wonderful Ride. She lifts you off the ground in a gentle swirl and before you realize it, you're riding high! There's a stiff breeze a blowing, but don't be afraid; just let go and hang on as you glide and dip and then swoop up again. Breathe. Now. We're headed for some Rocks, but that's OK, the angel Julie is here to sing us a lullaby, nuzzle up and Relax. And soon we're off again, going for HOME, but it's a long ways off. We fly sure and strong on the wings of Melody. Let her take you for a ride. Julie Christensen can get down and dirty with the the best of them, and she tells it like it is, but there's a strong current of spirituality that runs right thru the middle of IT . She's a spiritual singer. So, in spite of our human frailities, we can overcome and be stronger and wiser,and better; not a fool at all. When I hear Julie's sweet sound, it's a soothing antidote for a bad day."

Soul Driver, Soul Diva, Soul Survivor......

Patrice Webb | Georgetown, California USA | 10/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Music on this CD captures perfectly the raw wild spirit of what real music is all about: music that leaves you hungry and wanting more - music that takes you back to a time when sitting up until 2:00 in the morning listening in a crowded nightclub with the paint peeling off of the walls seemed like a benediction from above. Sadly, music like this is largely gone in this day and age of video queens and slick commercial pop. Happily, Julie Christensen along with other members of the Stone Cupid Collective have come along to remind us of what it is all about -and it is good - so good to know that music like this is still out there screaming its head off.The CD with its blend of Blues, Rhythm and Blues, touches of Jazz and soulful balladry reminds us of all of the best of Aretha, Dusty, and Maria, while at the same time bringing a freshness that is totally spontaneous and new. This is a CD of music that is not the result of some sound engineer mixing up a batch of canned music, but real music that is meant to be experienced and tasted as it is played. The CD begins with the Album's title track "Soul Driver" which, with its tasteful and sublime horns lifting and driving the rhythm makes the band sound like it could be out of Chicago in the 60's. Christensen's voice, an incredible instrument that recalls soul divas of days gone past, wails and moans over the blues of "Shipwreck" and then slips into a silky curl of smoke on ballads such as "Biggest Fool of All" finally, becoming steeped in the pure gospel soul of "I Am An Angel".Perhaps the best part of all is the feeling that each and every one of the musicians who take part in the Stone Cupid Collective seem to be doing this not because of any promise of fame or fortune but simply because it is the thing they were made to do - and they do it because it just feels so good.For those of us who actually do enjoy the meaning of true "soul" this CD is well worth the drive."