Christine Tobin
Deep Song
BDV 2028

1. Little Girl Blue (Rodgers/Hart. arr. Tobin)
2. You Go to my Head (Gillespie/Coots arr. Tobin/Robson) mp3
3. I Can't Get Started (V.Duke arr. Robson/Tobin)
4. Just your Friend (Tobin)
5. Brother can you Spare a Dime (Gorney/Harburg arr. Tbn)
6. Just One of those Things (Porter arr. Robson)
7. Ritual (Tobin)
8. Rags and Old Iron (Brown/Curtis)
9. How Deep is the Ocean (Berlin arr. Robson)
10. Deep Song (Cory/Cross)

Christine Tobin - voice; Phil Robson - guitar; Peter Herbert - bass; Billy Hart - drums; Mark Turner - tenor saxophone

"Not just her best album but one of the finest vocal jazz collections in years." (John Lewis, Time Out, 19 April 2000)

"One of the most gifted and original singer/songwriters in today's jazz world" (Ian Carr, BBC Music Magazine)

"Tobin's range and control precisely serve her materials….she gracefully balances simplicity with her ability to improvise and swing." (John Fordham, Guardian)

"Great timing is a gift given to few and one that Tobin possesses, along with an exciting tendency to take the darker path." (Mike Bradley, The Times)

"It is tempting to try and categorize musicians and singers. Jazz is in its 2nd century and there are so many references on disc. Sure, I can hear little phrases in Christine Tobin's work that remind me of other singers. But I accept that as inevitable. But what draws me to her is her sound. Her voice is unique and she seems to have carved a little niche of her own. No mean feat in today's Jazz scene. I really like what she does and I find myself listening to what she says I'm reminded that the voice is the primary source of all music. She has a great instrument in her and I'm intrigued by what she might do next. I hope she keeps it simple and pure."
Mike Figgis (Film director)

Without doubt Christine Tobin, on her fourth CD for Babel, justifies her descriptions both as 'the true heir of Ella' (Jazz Podium) and shows her "matchless voice." (Chris Parker, The Times) The CD was CD of the Week in the Evening Standard and CD of the month in the August issue of BBC Music Magazine. Recorded in New York last November, it shows a different side of Tobin's abilities as arranger and interpreter, by focussing mainly on arrangements of standards and covers such as "Just One Of Those Things" and "Little Girl Blue". Dedicated to the memories of Betty Carter and Billie Holiday, melodies are also plucked from the repertoires of the likes of Nina Simone and Sheila Horn.

The title track itself is one of Holiday's most heart-rending melodies. Fans of Tobin's own writing will not be disappointed by two new tunes. The band is exactly the line-up to give great music and lyrics a certain freshness appropriate to the new century. The legendary Billy Hart is Christine's favourite drummer, while the rest of the line-up includes award-winning guitarist Phil Robson (also co-arranger of the music) and bassist Peter Herbert. Rising star saxophonist Mark Turner guests on several tracks.

Christine Tobin has previous released three releases on Babel (Aililiu (1995), 'Yell Of The Gazelle' (1996) - nominated for the German Record Critics' Prize - and House Of Women (1998)). They show a repertoire which ranges easily from originals through Brazilian covers and even including covers of Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen and Jimi Hendrix. She has also shown herself adept at adding poignant lyrics to broaden her vocal repertoire. She uses the best of jazz idioms and musicians to create an immediacy and communication rare in singers. Her own live work has included live TV performance at the Frankfurt Jazz Festival, at Wiesen in Austria and three tours of the U.K. She performed at the Berlin Jazz Festival, where she was 'the discovery of the festival' (Bernd Hoffmann, WDR) and was embraced on leaving the stage by Artistic Director, Albert Mangelsdorf. Overseas tours have recently included Syria, Sudan and Yemen.

Phil Robson is now known as one of the finest young guitarists and writers in Britain. Winner of the first Perrier Jazz Award, he was also commissioned by Birmingham Jazz to write a suite for octet. He is also a member of Partisans, which he co-leads with Julian Siegel.

Billy Hart's credits as a drummer reflect his importance in moving the genre forward. Starting in the 60s with Shirley Horn, he has also had long periods playing with Jimmy Smith, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz and most of the jazz greats. Most recently he was in London for the Kenny Wheeler 70th birthday concerts.

Mark Turner has proved himself to be at the forefront of the new generation of jazz players, who grew up in New York during the late 90s. His regular partners include the likes of Brad Mehldau, Peter Bernstein. His latest CD on Warner was released at the end of 1999 and he is also featured on the lates CD by Joshua Redman.

Peter Herbert has been able to keep his 'foot in both camps', as an Austrian in New York. Originally associated with the circle of the Vienna Art Orchestra, he has based himself in New York for the last 12 years, playing regularly with John Abercrombie, the late Art Farmer, Wolfgang Muthspiel and others. But he also returns regularly to Europe, where he is increasingly known as a composer of orchestral music in his homeland.