Christine Santelli has been singing the blues all her life. For almost a decade, Santelli and her band have been playing the clubs in the tri-state area, winning fans with blues, soul and folk. Last year, she released Season of a Child (Rapid Records), and she will tour the region and Europe in support of the album. She will play at Scotland Yard in Hoboken on March 19 at 9:30 p.m. We recently caught up with the singer.
EM – Where are you from?
CS – I was born in New York City in 1968 and raised in upstate New York. I always knew I wanted to get back to my birthplace. After playing gigs in the city for a few years in clubs like Tramps, I moved to Jersey City in 1992.
EM – Who are your influences?
CS – When I started playing guitar in 1976 I listened to a lot of folk music like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. I was introduced to the blues in 1981 by the way of Bessie Smith, Ray Charles and Billie Holliday. When I started playing gigs professionally in 1987, I listened to a lot of blues and soul artists like B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Sly and the Family Stone, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Chaka Khan, and gospel great Mavis Staples. Today I listen to just about everything.
EM – Why do you make music?
CS – As a young child I realized I enjoyed singing and playing guitar and was quite good at it. When you find something you’re good at and you have a passion for, you stick with it. You are only here one time around, you might as well do something you enjoy and that’s fulfilling.
EM – Where do you perform?
CS – Lately I have been touring in Europe. I have been fortunate to see some of the world as a performer. I have performed in South Africa, France, Spain, Russia, Norway, Switzerland and I am now working with European agents to branch out to other countries. I have been fortunate to share the bill with such greats as John Mayall, Jimmie Vaughan, John Kay and Steppenwolf, Eric Burdon and The New Animals, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Alvin Lee. Ten years later I have been a fixture on the blues scene in the New York City area. Unfortunately I have seen many clubs come and go like Manny’s Carwash, Dan Lynch, Lonestar, Chicago Blues, Mondo Cane, Mondo Perso, Louisiana Community Bar and Grill and Tramps. Currently I have been playing at New York City clubs and I do an acoustic show in Hoboken at Scotland Yard once a month.
EM – How would you describe your music?
CS – My writing incorporates all aspects of roots music, blues, rock, soul, country, and gospel. I perform my own material as well as the blues classics.
EM – Are you looking for mainstream exposure?
CS – I am definitely looking to get my music out to a larger audience. I just want to live comfortably writing and performing my music. If fame comes with that, then bring it on.
EM – What professional plans do you have for the future?
CS – I am currently recording my fifth record, which should be out in May or June. I believe the new record transcends any one single genre. Yeah, I would like that major record deal. Who wouldn’t?
EM – What is the best part of being a musician?
CS – I have been able to go places I have never dreamed of seeing. It is amazing to visit foreign cities as a performer. The promoters and fans show you a side of the city that most tourists are never able to tap into. As a performer home or abroad, there is nothing more gratifying than having an audience singing along to your songs. Connecting with the audience is what it’s really all about. It’s no cakewalk, but to quote the Stones, "It’s only rock and roll and I like it."
On March 19, Santelli will play acoustically at Scotland Yard at 72 Hudson St. in Hoboken at 9:30 p.m. For information call (201) 222-9273 or visit www.scotlandyardbar.com. For information on Santelli visit www.christinesantelliband.com. q