Reviewed by John Weatherford
“”Pass away or Piss me off”, according to Kristine Mills, are two sure fire ways to get her to write a song about you. Kristine performed Wednesday night, June 27 at the Metropolitan Room in New York City. The evening was composed of all original songs written and performed by the artist. This award-winning native of Houston, Texas delighted the audience with the path of her music’s journey.
Her presentation of “Patch of Green” was a powerful tribute to her abilities. The song has been selected as a semi-finalist in the songwriting contest sponsored by The Concert for City Greens. It had its first public outing as she was a featured guest at TCCG’s. It was written at the suggestion of Beck Lee, publicist at the Metropolitan Room, with only a two-day lead time. “Patch of Green” is, without question, impressive as it expresses the beauty and calm city greens bring to society.
She continued to engage the audience in stories that led her songs. There was the story of her friend who lost her long and hard fought battle with cancer. The song that followed, “Charlotte’s Waltz,” was a riveting and heartfelt arrangement beginning with guitar and bass, then the drums with a death march rhythm that was elevated to inspirational with the addition of the piano.
“Silhouette” was another highlight of the evening. Its origin was the relationship between Charlotte and her sister. Kristine’s lyrics share the pain and loss of realizing what you had after it is gone. “Silhouette” was released on May 22 on iTunes. (All proceeds from the download will benefit the Holly Rose Ribbon Foundation, a charity for uninsured cancer patients to provide reconstructive surgery.) This beautiful lament is an indicator of the passion and promise of Kristine and her material. She is a refreshing artist with a contagious spirit that reaches out to her audience with witty and welcoming warmth. She makes her guitar sing like a mockingbird on steroids. Her accompanying style easily goes from gentle to ferocious. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her evening of songs went from Southern gospel, samba funk, jazz, to a brief tribute to the Beatles in “It’s Just Another Day.”
Kristine was accompanied on piano by LaFayette Harris, Jr. I can only say he is a magical musician. David Dunaway on bass proved to be a sensational emotional back-up for many of the arrangements and Jacob Melchior on percussion was the perfect complement to the music.
Kristine Mills is a powerhouse writer and performer. She knows where she wants to go and how she plans to get there. This lovely lady’s efforts to move her career into the international arena should be a journey well worth following. I suppose that to have her write a song for you the most effective way would be pissing her off. The other is a little extreme!
Photos: Russ Weatherford
Posted by Sandi Durell
on June 28, 2012. Filed under Cabaret,Cabaret and Interviews - Sandi Durell,COLUMNS,ENTERTAIMENT.
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