Sonja Kristina
This long overdue 2-CD anthology from Sonja Kristina is a very welcome surprise. The legendary Curved Air lead vocalist has been well represented in the past with her band material. This anthology pulls together cuts from all her solo albums as well as some rarities and extra treats. In addition to having several cuts of a progressive rock/Curved Air nature, many of the tracks pull from a diversity of styles and cultures.
Several tracks are culled from her first, and arguably best, self-titled solo album. Highlights are the funky Latin-flavored “Man He Colour” and the straight-ahead rocker “San Tropez”. Many of the other tracks have a subtle Caribbean feel, courtesy of vibraphone, most notably “One on One”. From the whimsical “Baby Song” to the swampy, backwoods “Devil May Care”, her warm, strong vocals are excellent. Reminiscent of Sandy Denny or June Tabor, Sonja is an artist in full control of her voice.
“C’est La Vie” is an interesting take on the old ELP/Greg Lake tune. Sonja assumes the role of a French chanteuse with a husky, breathless delivery. Also of note are the folksy epic “Buccaneer” and “Love Child”, both of which grab you by the throat with their intensity. “Citadel” is another folk-oriented Fairport Convention type of song. Sonja Kristina: Anthology is a great compilation and a great addition to your Curved Air collection.
Sonja Kristina, who topped the British Music female vocalist polls throughout the ’70s was the first UK female lead singer fronting a rock band. She has been the constant flame leading Curved Air through the decades. Today, vibrant and edgy as ever, Sonja gives a charismatic and highly visual performance. Looking like a glamorous gipsy queen with her flowing red hair and dressed in sparkly black, that signature voice is still as smoky and seductive as ever as she spins around the stage around the excellent musicians who are Curved Air. Sonja will be on tour as a solo artist and with Curved Air as it builds up to its 50th anniversary.
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