Christine Donovan and her backing band MVP were at The IronHorse Saloon providing a worthwhile alternative to "cheap night" offered at oh so many other establishments.

Hey I'm the last guy who would complain about cheap booze but when I have to endure techno pop garbage in order to consume the cheap booze the price is too high. I would much rather pay regular booze prices and go see a good band anyday of the week.Club owners listen up .... I am one of many people that would rather see a good band than listen to a DJ. Hell I can stay at home, listen to a stereo and get drunk for much cheaper. Not only would you be supporting the local music scene but you would likely make more cash too.

Anyway ...enough ranting. Christine Donovan and her band MVP were excellent. Donovan's Janis Joplin like delivery was pure gold. Christine has been blessed with a truly incredible voice. Very rare is it that I see a singer male or female with such power, range and emotion. While Donovan's voice may take center stage her band MVP were far from slouches.

Don "Master's" Mastrianni's sterling guitar playing, Doug Vallier's first rate bass work and Ron Prunster's splendid drumming provided the perfect backdrop for Donovan's marvelous voice.

Donovan started off her set with two glorious acoustic numbers. These seemed to be merely a warm up once Donovan's band kicked in. Christine and her band proved to be quite versatile, performing versions of Bob Dylan's "Knockin On Heaven's Door" and Led Zepplin's reggae rock classic "Dyer Maker" as well as Donovan's original tunes including the fantastic "You Put A Spell On Me" which can be found on Christine's three song cd which is available at Chapter's and Indigo bookstores in Kingston. The cd was recorded with Grammy® Award winning producer Scott Matthews in California, known for his work with Keith Richards, Todd Rundgren, The Beach Boys and Bonnie Raitt.

Sure beats being packed tight like sardines in a sweaty club listening to the likes of 50 Cent. If you like 50 Cent let me put it to you this way .... let's see 50 Cent sing like Christine Donovan or play like MVP. When that happens I'll give them some credit and consider clubbin' it.

After the show I went to grab a quick bite to eat. When I returned to The Horse karaoke had started. Upon the encouragement of the soundman and karaoke host, Doug "Fluffy" Brady, I took ther stage and tried karaoke for the first time. I sang Neil Young's "Rockin' In The Free World" .... usually our show closer in Joker's Child. I apparently did quite well.... good thing because when I went back to sing Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead Or Alive" I didn't fare so well.

I did not realize that karaoke backing tracks are often transposed to a different key in order to make it easier to sing. Doing this doesn't make it easier for musicians that can and usually do sing the song in the key it was originally written. Fellow musicians take note: sometimes karaoke holds more surprises then a performance with a band .... atleast your band likely plays songs in the right key.

KF

www.christinedonovan.com