Christine Rosander
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Christine Rosander

Los Angeles, California, United States | INDIE | AFTRA

Los Angeles, California, United States | INDIE | AFTRA
Band Jazz Singer/Songwriter

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"CD Review : Smooth Ride"

While Smooth Ride is the solo-debut release from Christine Rosander she has a long history with music that started with her performing at the young age of five. She has studied classical piano and earned a bachelor's degree in vocal performance along with commercial composing & arranging from Cal State Long Beach College. She also has a master's degree from USC in jazz studies.

Christine Rosander puts all of that musical knowledge to use on Smooth Ride with its mixture of pop, jazz, folk, and blues styles of music. You'll also find one country flavored song, the first and title track, "Smooth Ride," complete with steel pedal guitar. Rosander describes her music as a mixture of Rickie Lee Jones, Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone and Carole King in sound.

Most of the songs found on Smooth Ride are original and written by Christine along with Jane Getz who besides co-writing songs also produced the CD along with Grammy Award winning co-producer Bob Tucker.

Words like soulful and sultry have been used to describe Christine's lyrical style. Her vocals are smooth and rich and bring each of the song's lyrics to life. I'm sure that some of that passion comes from the fact that she's often singing about parts of her own life in the songs.

Rosander uses her life experiences for the song's subject matter. In her press material she says that her inspiration comes from, numerous journeys and experiences that she has encountered throughout her life, such as favorite books, her singing lesson's students, her stepson and from an even an autistic woman that she heard interviewed on NPR.

Rosander has also wisely surrounded herself with a great group of talented musicians who offer up the musical painting for her vocals to be layered on top of.

Christine Rosander shows on Smooth Ride that she has both the musical and song writing talents to build a long bright musical future for herself.


- Indie Music Stop


"High talent & very attractive music that will weave you (easily) into it's spell!"

Christine Rosander - SMOOTH RIDE: We reviewed a fantastic vocalist in our last issue, Carla Hassett... she sent us information on Christine, & we got in touch right away (after checking her out on the web). "Smooth Ride" features an even dozen tracks, all but one of them being originals (which is the music we really like to review - I mean, there's nothing wrong with covers, but I seem to get a much better "feel" for the "inside" of the player when the tunes were written by them). The music Rosander writes isn't jazz, per se, though that spirit (blues, jazz) is a part of what she projects (particularly the blues part), 'specially on comps like "Cattle Press"... high energy playin', & laden with emotion (though without falling in th' dreaded "sappy" realm). The album is well-recorded; on the "tech-end”. There are snatches of blues, some heavy soul & even songs that come close to bein' a little "countrified"; a real smorgasbord of styles... I can hear a lil' bit of Rickie Lee in there, or maybe Bonnie Raitt. This is high talent & very attractive music that will weave you (easily) into it's spell. Definitely a "keeper" for listeners who want somethin' to "tool on down th' road" with. My ears rate it as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, to be sure. To get more information, check out the site at www.christinerosander.com (this debut album hits the streets 'round 17 October, 2007). Rotcod Zzaj

IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION
http://zzaj.freehostia.com/Reviews78.htm
- IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION


"Christine Rosander At Tangier - Los Angeles Scoop Newspaper"

With a voice that features a smooth vibrato, Christine Rosander has a voice that is uniquely hers. And her voice was on magnificent display at Tangier’s in Los Feliz, showcasing her CD, Smooth Ride. Her breathy style of vocals complimented a great and simple backdrop of music. If you had to categorize her, which is virtually impossible, she has traces of Anita Baker, Julie Andrews, Cher and Celine Dion in her capable vocal range.

Rosander, who had Jane Getz on piano (who has played with John Lennon, Charlie Mingus and the Bee Gees), displayed musicianship of her own, playing the electric piano on a few of the compositions of her set. She started her evening with solo piano, bass and drums. Early in the set, her third song, “Smooth Ride,” the title track of her CD, was a mid-tempo crowd pleaser.

The fourth song, my personal favorite, “Good Boy,” was dedicated to her stepson. She performed that tune on “People You Should Know,” a TV show on Time/Warner a few years ago. The fifth song, “Sailing,” was a perfect compliment to all the songs in her mellow set. Pianist Getz assisted on writing or co-writing a number of songs on the CD, including “My Heart Is A Ghost Town,” easily


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one of the most beautiful songs of the set. Later in her set, she performed a song called “Cattle Press,’ a sensual song about intimacy and affection. “Balm in Gilead” started with a great bass line. It was a well-done song, maybe the most musical of the set. It featured wonderful playing from Getz, who penned a later song in the set, The New Route 66, an up tempo song.

She seemed to save some of the prettier songs for late in her set, including a song she dedicated to her husband. Her last tune, “My Own Little World,” was an introspective piece that encapsulated the spirit of her wonderful CD.

The music of her set painted a canvas of encouragement-with spiritual lyrics and inspired choruses. If you hear the name Christine Rosander, you should run, not walk to see her perform. As beautiful as a fashion model, with a voice like an angel, look for big things to come from this outstanding artist.



- Buddy Sampson, Entertainment Editor


"The Sultry Jazz of Christine Rosander Comes to Tehachapi - Tehachapi News"

With her haunting voice and smooth Jazz piano, Christine Rosander promises an exceptional evening at Mama HillyBean’s Cafe. Compared with Nora Jones and other famous female singer songwriters, Christine Rosander is a notable talent in the Jazz genre. A classically trained pianist originally from Northern California, Christine learned to play jazz in the clubs of New York where she fused her musical ability with her unique talent to express deep emotions in her lyrics. Her voice delivers a wide range and breathy style that can add heat and emotion to her commanding performance. Part of the Mama HillyBean’s family, Christine has played at famous settings such as Club Helsinki on the East Coast and Tangier in Los Angeles. Jazz lovers should not miss this opportunity to see an ‘A’ list performance in an intimate setting. Christine Rosander will be playing at Mama HillyBean’s Cafe on a special Sunday evening show November 23rd at 6:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $8 and $10 on the day of the show or on-line at www.hillybeans.com or by calling 661.822.2326. Mama HillyBean’s is located at 426 E. Tehachapi Blvd. - Anthony McDemas of Taste of Tehachapi


""A Major Talent" by Scott Yanow"

Christine Rosander is a major talent with a distinctive and haunting voice. Her debut CD, Smooth Ride, offers a wide variety of influences and inspirations blended together to create some very personal, heartfelt, and memorable music.

“Originally Smooth Ride was just going to have a few originals,” remembers Christine. “But after I met pianist Jane Getz through Louis Taylor, she encouraged me to write more material. The project took on a life of its own and it went in a different direction than I had originally planned. Jane also wrote a few songs for me to sing and persuaded me to play piano more. The CD fell magically into place without too much planning. It just seemed natural.” Christine’s ability as a songwriter had really blossomed in recent times and this project has brought out the very best in her very expressive singing.

For Smooth Ride, Christine Rosander is joined on various selections by Jane Getz (whose early career in New York as a jazz pianist was followed by a lengthy and very successful period in pop music before she returned to jazz in more recent times), pianist Deron Johnson, bassists Anders Swanson, Dan Lutz and Chris Colangelo, drummers Frank Wilson, Scotty Lund, Chris Blondal and Michael Barsimanto, percussionists Rich Mangicaro and Cassio Duarte, saxophonist Louis Van Taylor and trombonist Wendell Kelly. “I want to especially mention Bob Tucker who was co-producer, engineer and played all the guitars and even pedal steel on the album. He had a huge part in the sound and feeling of the record. I’m spoiled after working with him; he really knows how to record vocals as he showed on earlier recordings for the Temptations and India.Arie.”

While the supporting cast is strong, the focus throughout is on Christine’s vocal, her music and her storytelling. “There is an autobiographical theme that runs through the CD. There is a reflection of me in the songs, I now realize, about yearning and looking for relief. Many of the originals on this album have gospel influences and evoke a spiritual quest or journey” The program begins with the title cut, “Smooth Ride.” “It’s about wanting a little comfort, a smooth ride. This song was fun to sing, showing off my country gospel roots.” The cheerful lyrics are a request for love and stability.

“Kitten” is an upbeat love song that has a catchy melody and celebrates the joy of passionate love and “finding a little piece of sunshine.” “Cattle Press” was inspired by an NPR interview of an autistic woman, Temple Grandin. When she was a teenager, she noticed cattle being put into a squeeze machine so they could be doctored. When she saw how peaceful they became, she begged to be put into the cattle press too and immediately felt a calmness and relief. She has since become an animal scientist, designing more humane cattle presses used by both cows and autistic people. “This was so intriguing to me. I thought what would that be like to crave that pressure and find relief in it?” Christine’s song, which she co-wrote with Jane, says “Baby I need pressure, like a cattle press. Put your arms around me, squeeze out my regrets.” “Good Boy”, co-written with Ronnie Shelton, discusses the sadness of separation.

“Sailing,” which was co-wrote with her student, Sarah Chernoff and her husband Jeff Whitley, is about trying to repair a relationship before a couple drifts completely apart. The quintet spontaneously gave the song a reggae feel behind the vocals and the optimistic interpretation makes one believe that Christine’s plea will be answered. “I really enjoy singing Jane’s ‘My Heart is a Ghost Town.’ It is like a little movie, creating a strong atmosphere of a place and time with a lot of images. It also has the feeling of loss and yearning.” Jane Getz also wrote “The New Route 66.” Christine shows the influence of early Rickie Lee Jones on this nostalgic look at the beat generation.

“Boxer” is based on a real story about a troubled boxer, using his words and talking about how he finds release from the past. Linda Jackson’s background vocal is a major asset.
Jane Getz’s song “My Own Little World” is about finding a little place to call one’s own, even if it is just a dream. “Put Your Mind On Me,” one of the first songs written for the CD, also with Shelton, is an inspirational song that says, “Close your eyes and imagine a place where you can go, far away from cares that bind you and all the pain you know. You can have something deeper, just reach out your hand, put your mind on me and you will understand.” “Balm In Gilead,” is a hymn that Christine has always loved. “I heard this growing up in church and it meant so much to me. The word ‘balm’ sounded so strange, but I could feel the power in it, the comfort and the encouragement. I wanted to tap into that, and give the song a joyful groove and make it my own.” Smooth Ride concludes with the heartfelt “Traveling Mercy.” The song was inspired by the book Traveling Mercies, by Annie Lamott, and has Christine looking for help in finding answers. “It’s about a journey, about asking for strength and a bit of surrender too.”

Christine Rosander grew up in Northern California near Sacramento. Her mother was a piano and voice teacher and a church choir director. “I often heard her giving lessons, so that became the soundtrack for whatever I was doing. I remember my dad had a record collection with Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and cowboy singers that I listened to until I had every line memorized.” Christine had classical piano lessons from the age of four and often sang duets with her mother.

While attending college, Christine discovered jazz. “I had been thinking of doing classical music but, once I was introduced to jazz by my teacher Mrs. Perla Warren, I went in a different direction. I was painfully serious and studious at the time and the freedom of jazz opened me up. I loved the improvisation and styling and that I could take a song and make it my own.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and Commercial Composing and Arranging from Cal State Long Beach and later became the first vocalist to earn a Masters degree from USC in Jazz Studies.

After college, Christine worked with the a capella group Terra Nova, performed regularly in Los Angeles area clubs with her combo and became a music teacher, currently instructing around 25 students. She recorded several albums with the Doc Rutherford big band. Christine also sings with the Fab Four in their tribute to Wings, as Linda McCartney.

“This has been so fun and surreal at times. We have performed in huge venues, with original Wings band members, drummer Denny Seiwell and lead guitarist Laurence Juber, and the fans are amazing.”



“I sang jazz for years, but I always had this deep desire to express myself though writing my own songs. When I met Jane Getz and we started this album; that was the catalyst to go in this new direction. Now my music, if I had to describe it, is a mix of Nina Simone, Rickie Lee Jones, Carole King and Joni Mitchell in style, but it also includes the influence of all of the many styles that I’ve heard in my life.”

Christine Rosander is enthusiastic about the future. “I really want more people to hear my music, and I think some of my songs would be perfect to use in films. I hope to keep writing, singing, touring with this group and growing as a singer, writer and person.” With the success of Smooth Ride, which displays her warm and touching vocals along with her ability to tell important stories in her music, Christine Rosander has made a major musical statement. - Scott Yanow, writer for The Music Connection and author of nine jazz books, including Jazz on Film,


"Podcast Transcript "Smooth Ride""

LUNDSTEN: Singer Christine Rosander has one of those voices that sticks with you. Just listen to this...

SONG: KITTEN

LUNDSTEN: That’s “Kitten” from Rosander’s new CD, “Smooth Ride.” If you live in Southern California, chances are you’ve probably heard her. Rosander’s been belting out jazz standards at clubs and festivals all over Southern California for the last ten years. You can even catch her sultry vocals on Doc Rutherford’s Big Band albums. But now -- Rosander’s treading new territory.

CHRISTINE ROSANDER: This is my first studio album and it has a lot of original songs – by me and also by Jane Getz, my producer and co-writer.

LUNDSTEN: Teaming up with Getz is a major coup. Getz has played piano with jazz great Charlie Mingus. And she’s tickled the ivories on albums by John Lennon, the Bee Gees, and Don Henley. Another big score was landing Grammy winner Bob Tucker as co-producer. Tucker’s worked with the Temptations and India Arie. Rosander attributes Tucker and Getz with her sound on this album – which is a bit of a departure from her earlier work.

ROSANDER: The style definitely has my jazz influences, but then it also has a lot of pop influences of things that, that I love and listen to – like Rickie Lee Jones and Joni Mitchell. Then also there’s kind of a western country roots music sort of influence in there which I guess is, you know, from my childhood growing up in kind of a rural farming community. My dad used to have a record collection of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline – I hear that coming in.

LUNDSTEN: Rosander grew up in Elk Grove, California – outside Sacramento. She learned to sing from her mother – a voice and piano teacher -- and honed her talent singing in church. She started soloing at age five. Many of the songs on Smooth Ride have gospel influences and evoke a spiritual quest.

ROSANDER: It’s funny because I see this theme running through a lot of my songs, which is about looking for relief, looking for some kind of peace and asking, asking for help.

LUNDSTEN: “Traveling Mercy” is one of those songs.

TRAVELING MERCY HERE


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ROSANDER: I read a book by Anne Lamott and she wrote a book called “Traveling Mercies: Thoughts on Faith” and she, you know, talks about her journey in life toward finding faith and spirituality and she talks about her prayers. One of her favorite prayers is “Help me, Help me, Help me” and I can really relate to that. So after reading her book I started writing a song called Traveling Mercy and it’s really about a journey, about asking for strength, asking God for help.

LUNDSTEN: Rosander says her songwriting process has also been a journey.

ROSANDER: A lot of things just start to come into it that I don’t even realize – there’s like a conscious thought of what the song is about and then other things that are just kind of under the surface. Of course the best, most fun way is when you’re doing something usually totally not planning to write a song, but driving, or washing the dishes or taking a walk or just doing something and then an idea comes to you – kind of like a light bulb going on.

LUNDSTEN: In fact, that light bulb went on while Rosander was listening to the car radio – she had one of those “National Public Radio driveway moments.”

ROSANDER: One of the first original songs that was written for the album was “Cattle Press.” I’d heard this NPR interview with Temple Grandin. She’s an autistic woman who has become an animal scientist. When she was a kid she was on her aunt’s farm and she saw cattle being put into a squeeze chute to doctor them or whatever and she noticed how calm they became. So then she asked if she could be put inside there to feel that nice feeling of having a hug. That feeling for her was really relaxing and in her life she’s created these squeeze machines for animals and actually for humans. So I heard this story and it was really intriguing to me and really attractive because I guess my background of being around cows and animals – and then also what would that be like to really need that pressure...and so then I started to write a song. In the chorus it goes:

SINGING HERE

LUNDSTEN: Grandin’s story also hits home because Rosander teaches voice to a girl with autism named Lexi. Both of them were recently part of a documentary.

ROSANDER: It’s about several autistic kids. They come together and they do a musical. So it’s called Autism: The Musical. They follow the students around and one of the things they do is they came to Lexi’s voice lesson.

LUNDSTEN: She says working with Lexi has taught her a lot.

ROSANDER: She just has the agenda to sing the music, to enjoy the music for the pure love of the music, without worrying what other people think of her. One of my goals, or something that I’m coming to in my journey of music is just that I really, I put too much
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emphasis on it: I need to sing well, I need to play well, I need...you know...but rather it’s better to let it happen and enjoy the process. The way that Lexi sings the music it’s more of a surrender.

LUNDSTEN: Listening to Smooth Ride, it’s easy to surrender to the soulful power of Rosander’s voice...and her words.

OUT ON MORE MUSIC
- Apryl Lundsten - LA Pod Squad


"Coming Distractions By Rachel Leibrock"

Homecoming II: These days, Elk Grove native Christine Rosander rests her head at night in L.A., but returning home is always sweet. The pop singer, whose album “Smooth Ride” brings to mind the sounds of Rickie Lee Jones and Joni Mitchell, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Lush Salon & Spa (200I St., Sacramento). Admission is free. For more information or to preview Rosander’s music visit myspace.com/christinerosander.


“Coming Distractions” by The Bee’s Rachel Leibrock runs Tuesdays in Scene.
- The Sacramento Bee


Discography

"Smooth Ride" Devcat Records on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, airplay on NPR.

Photos

Bio

If you live in Southern California chances are you have heard this
artist’s soulful and mellifluous voice. Christine Rosander
has been appearing in clubs and festivals all over
Southern California for the past ten years and has been
inspiring and grabbing audiences with her sultry, sexy
and seductive voice.

A one woman melting pot,
Rosander’s style melds jazz, pop, rhythm, and blues and
folk into a unique and powerful musical identity.
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.

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.

“Christine Rosander is a major talent with a distinctive and haunting voice. Her debut CD, Smooth Ride, offers a wide variety of influences and inspirations blended together to create some very personal, heartfelt, and memorable music.”-Scott Yanow, writer for The Music Connection and author of nine jazz books, including Jazz On Film, Swing, Bebop, Trumpet Kings, and Jazz On Record 1917-76.

“A seductive singing temptress with a natural captivating power, Christine Rosander warms the soul and spirit with true life messages—proving that singing is like life…either you feel it or you don’t.”—Dr. Herb Wong, International Critic, Discographer and Journalist

“If there’s any justice, the world will be hearing more from this lady”—Ken McCall, San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune.