What makes a singer metamorphose into a chanteuse? Or are they perhaps born that way? An interesting philosophical question for the music lover and one brought to mind by as the sonic pleasures of Christine Bovill’s “Derby Street” album unfolded.
Whilst there are noticeable elements of middle of the road appeal here, such as “Lighthouse Keeper”, that would suggest a calculated attempt to capture all those Blue Nile fans who don’t have anything to amuse their ears these days, there is also the proof of much greater things in the piano accompanied “Missing Persons”. With so little to hide behind – although Fraser Speir’s harmonica provides stalwart moral support – Ms Bovill shows true poise and brings endearing warmth to her interpretation. It’s no flash in the pan either as her eloquent readings extend into “Coming Home” and “You’ve Learned Enough From Losing”. As her voice stretches itself around your heart, you can surmise that an album of standards is not far off in her future and, with her fine phrasing and that hint of grit in her voice, it will be a good one. Given that she pretty much dominates the song writing duties here too, Ms Bovill displays all the hallmarks of a performer with long career ahead of her.
As the quality of her performances on the slower songs shows mastery, it is perhaps curious (or perhaps not?) that the song that stands out most is the folk rock styled “A New Kind of Sunny”. It’s a bit retro maybe but isn’t everything these days. A chanteuse she most certainly is but it would appear that is not the limit of Ms Bovill talents.