Christina Courtin just might possess one of the most vibrant new voices in contemporary pop music today. Her angelic timbre has drawn comparisons to Regina Spektor, Norah Jones, and Janis Joplin. On her 2008 debut, Bundah, Courtin demonstrates a redoubtable command of her burgeoning musicianship.
Courtin wrote and arranged most of Bundah and with some help from an all-star cast of musicians that includes: Greg Cohen, Jon Brion, Jim Keltner, Greg Leisz, Marc Ribot as well as the Brooklyn Rider string quartet. The resulting sound is flavored with moments of colorful Americana, Joni Mitchell-tinged folk, as well as some powerful screaming rock.
From Julliard to the Studio
Courtin holds a degree from the prestigious Julliard, and she is an accomplished violinist, though she played only viola and some toy piano on Bundah. But with such stellar musicians who can blame her for choosing to let the music take its own direction? Courtin’s arrangements breathe and there isn’t the clutter and spasmodic frenzy that often accompanies large-scale productions.
The Tracks
In the playful Foreign Country, she sounds like a young Spektor while the band rollicks in the background like a group of Nashville musicians. On Laconia, she builds from an ethereal introduction to a creepy, listing groove. “It’s not the kind of place to raise a family...”
And it is here that the listener is treated to the impressive range of Courtin’s voice as it grows from a whisper to a beautiful butterfly and finally into degenerates into a crescendo of piercing shrieks and screams. “How did I end up here and how do I get back?” she wails as the maelstrom around her swirls and breaks and eventually tapers off into a chilling ending.
Her lyrics have thoughtful depth while still allowing room for humor. In One Man Down, she muses introspectively: “Slice me open, drag me out. We got some things to talk about…” “I thought I was a person, too, with bleeding gums and pointy tails, and things…”
Nonesuch Records
Her record label is also testament to the confidence she has inspired in veteran musicians. Drafted by Nonesuch records, which is known for always putting out high quality, cutting-edge music, Courtin now joins the likes of Emmylou Harris and Bjork, among others. One cannot help but feel excited that such a Courtin has broken through. There is little doubt that there is much more to be heard from this beautiful young voice.
Track Listing: Green Jay; Bundah; Foreign Country; Hedonistic Paradise; Mulberries; February; Laconia; One Man Down; Rainy; Unzipped
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