JEFF CHRISTIE SOLO SESSIONS
JEFF was always keen to try his hand at
various genres of songs. As such, much of his solo work
is different in style to the country pop of Christie. But
whatever the song, one thing characterises a Jeff Christie
composition - a great melody.
The
Robert Kingston sessions
(RK Studios, London, UK)
Jeff recorded several songs at RK Studios,
Windmill St, London, between 1978 and 1981. The best of
them were compiled for a solo album, and four of them were
released on singles. Unfortunately, the record company collapsed
before the album was released. All the songs were written
by Jeff, engineered by Barry Kingston, and produced by Barry
and Jeff.
Paul Fenton was reunited with Jeff
on several tracks. Other studio musicians were Ted Platt,
Pete Moss, and the late John Glascock (formerly of Carmen
and Jethro Tull).
Back
On The Boards
Paul on drums and cabaza, Ted on jazz guitar and acoustic,
and Jeff on acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keyboards,
lead vox and back-up vox. A nice, jazzy atmosphere pervades
this song which has a smooth, silky chorus and great percussion.
Both
Ends Of The Rainbow (>>click
for review)
In A Rich Man's Shoes
A mid-tempo rocker, with a very 80's feel. A great album
track. "If you wanna walk out in a rich man's shoes,
you gotta sign on for the rich man's blues".
Somebody
Else (>>click
for review)
You've
Got The Love
An outstanding track which shows off Jeff's melodic flair
to the fore. A lovely up-tempo ballad which employs two
female backup singers at the close.
On
The Same Side
A song about peace and understanding. John Carter (of Carter
Lewis and the Southerners) helped out with some backup vocals
on the chorus. Jeff attempts to get a Carlos Santana feel
on the guitar solo, and a spiky clavinet riff comes in about
halfway through. In a great arrangement, the piece ends
with an instrumental jam and descending choral effect.
Another
Point Of View
Jeff returns to a country-poppish sound here, in this song
about a couple in a relationship who don't often see eye
to eye. "Slow down, we're heading for a showdown."
You
And Me
A rocking love song with nice imagery in the lyrics, employing
flutes and saxophones, and nice rolling percussion. A very
"different" Jeff Christie-type song. Used in the
movie Outer Touch, with
the long instrumental section forming the perfect aural
backdrop for various sequences in the film.
Turn
On Your Lovelight (>>click
for review)
Take
Me As You Find Me
Paul and John Glascock, fresh from the Carmen days, play
with Jeff on this plaintive ballad. Jeff plays a sad melancholic
guitar, almost like soft crying. Tragically, John was to
die a few days later.
Troubador
A tremendous rock ballad on which Jeff shows the full extent
of his great vocals, demonstrating some powerful work on
the chorus. Jeff had written this song with Rod Stewart
or Elton John in mind.
Tightrope
(>>click
for review)
Midnite
Express
Jeff introduces this with some wild and crazy keyboard playing,
and the whole rhythym of the song gives the impression of
motion, as he sits in "the Midnite Express" on
his way back to his hometown. You can almost see the buildings,
neon signs and country scenery flashing by the windows.
Anastasia
This love song has a jazzy, bluesy groove, with thick bass
and strong drumming backing up Jeff's pleading vocals.
Saints And Sinners
Jeff plays as many instruments as he can lay hands on in
this whimsical piece which contains some very cynical lyrics,
in which Jeff questions just who the true saints and sinners
of the world are.
Life
On Earth
A very David Bowie-ish feel here, both in terms of vocal
styling and arrangement. Maybe a good-natured dig at Bowie's
Life On Mars?
American Boys
A plodding melody and satirical look at life in America.
The RG Jones sessions
(RG Jones Studios, London, UK)
Jeff recorded some songs at RG Jones studios
in 1976. Two were released on the last Christie single.
Musicians included John Perry, Steve Elson, and Simon Phillips,
who eventually became a drummer for the Who.
Most Wanted Man In
The USA
The version on the single employed horns. This sample is
of the original take.
Rockin'
Suzanna (>>click
for review)
It
Ain't Easy
A very commercial composition that would have made for a
great Christie song. Perhaps it would have even made for
a better B-side to Most Wanted Man
..
More solo sessions
