Krista Green
Album: Krista Green Live
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.kristagreen.co.uk

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Krista Green earlier this summer when she played the increasingly prestigious Purbeck Folk Festival and absolutely delighted to discover that she had a new album due out.

As with a lot of artists self funding there were decisions to be made as to the best way to get an album on the blocks and Krista's original idea was to take the live approach and record the album at a gig, but outside of the bigger stages, the practicalities can easily get in the way, so plan b was to take that live experience into the studio and "Krista Green Live" was born.

Whilst live is very much Krista's forte, she's got a great reputation as a busker as well as performing more conventional gigs, this album really does highlight her increasing prowess as an observational songwriter. Maybe it's all that busking that does give an opportunity to develop existentialist songs that reflect the life and lives she comes into contact with.

Her songs range from the heartfelt, "Barry's Song" about a much lamented Big Issue seller, to the acerbic and witty, "Bellies Full Of Booze" reflecting the drinking culture that is both social and anti-social.

Green has delivered an album that feels very natural, her way with words, has a fluidity that makes them easy to relate to. As a busker you have to attract attention in an incredibly short space of time and then to hold that attention for long enough to have someone reach into their pocket and throw some cash into the guitar case. The thing I like about "Krista Green Live" is that whilst it does reflect those skills, it's much more than that.

Those instant songs are mixed in with songs that need that little bit longer for the listeners to take on board the sentiment, songs that grow and ultimately these often become the favourites because there is more to explore.

"Krista Green Live" is a fascinating and fun album. Krista is an artist that is taking huge strides forward and becoming a singer/songwriter very much to be reckoned with. Arguably this is what it's all about, no tricks, no overdubs, just music straight from the rock face.

Neil King