Christine Donovan

Christine Donovan's latest release, Lucky Me, perhaps should have been titled Lucky Us. In the current independent music environment that makes it all too easy to never discover performers, regardless of their quality, I do feel anyone who listens to Lucky Me should consider themselves lucky.

Donovan, who's musical pursuits have grown from playing bass and singing in a local Kingston Ontario gospel band to performing in musicals, from fronting a rock band to performing her acoustic solo act, seems to have realized the true importance of a song as a whole. Her lyrics are strong, personnel and involving, while her music is both diverse and catchy, ranging from a power ballad like Standing On The Sidelines, to the bluesy Lovin' Cup, to an out and out rocker like Lucky Me.

Some obvious comparisons are going to be with the likes of Janis Joplin and an early career Heart. There are some similarities, but the listener will soon catch on to the fact that Christine Donovan has a strong and commanding vocal presents all her own. Bouncing from sultry and sexy to belting, it would prove very difficult to pigeonhole her sound into one definitive category.

Since the release of Lucky Me, Christine Donovan has decided to dedicate more of her time to performing as a solo artist. This may lend a more “folky” sound to her music, but regardless of the musical accompaniment I think her shows will be a powerful vocal performance that anyone will walk away from and remember.

Of the ten songs on Lucky Me, there are eight that I listen to repeatedly (and that is as good a ratio as anyone gets!). This is definitely a CD that has spent more than it's fair share of time in my CD player. It will be very interesting to see what direction Christine's music will take in the coming years, but which ever style that is I will be very eager to hear it.

Derrick
Great White Noise



- Derek at Great White Noise

Chris Donovan's self titled debut is absolutely stunning. Christine has one of the most amazing voices I've heard in recent memory. Fans of Janis Joplin and Heart are likely going to be particularly smitten with Christine's unique brand of rock n roll.

From the full throttle rock and roll of the opener "Lucky Me" to the humble closer "Dreams" Christine's debut flat out rocks. "Dreams" contains the lyric "I've got nothing but dreams in my pockets" ...now that's the life of a struggling musician summed up to a tee. Donovan's band throws down big time on the album kicking Christine's tunes into overdrive. Don Masters solos are melodic and well thought out. Ron Prunsters drumming and Doug Vallier's bass playing are nothing to shake a stick at neither. This is one band that payed close attention to their tone ....Don especially.
Christine and her band once again prove their versatility on the record shifting from chugging rockers like "Black Hole" to the reggae rock of "Sorry Momma" to the Holly McNarland-esque "Rain Down On Me". I mentioned that fans of Janis Joplin and Heart would enjoy Christine's music... but given her and her band's versatility I think just about anybody could find something they like in Chris Donovan's music. I think it's pretty much impossible to deny the power of Christine's voice and songwriting skills. Whether you are a fan of Evanescence or The Tea Party Christine Donovan has plenty for you to enjoy. Pick this one up.

KF

- Kasey Ferguson - Party in Kingston

"...Donovan's delivery was pure gold... Christine has been blessed with a truly incredible voice...

Rare is it to see a singer, male or female, with such power, range and emotion."

- Kasey Ferguson, Sr. Editor, PIK Street Buzz
- Kasey Ferguson

"...her strong rich vocals are a treat... Christine's passion shines through in her soild and entertaining performances..." - Michael Pontbriand