Jesus is just alright with us... Christine's influences include: Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Tori Amos, Loreena McKennitt, Sheila Chandra, Enya, CSNY, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Paul Simon; Steve's influences include: Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Paul Simon, David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton, Peter Gabriel, Steely Dan, Larry Carlton, Pat Metheny, Keith Jarrett, Vince Gill, Chet Atkins, Earl Klugh, Wes Montgomery, Ralph Towner, Pierre Bensusan, Michael Hedges.
Sounds Like
Sweetbird
Steve plays acoustic guitars designed and custom made by Linda Manzer and also performs with instruments made by Taylor Guitars and Line 6.
Sweetbird's songs fill your heart with love and hope for humanity. How many artists can make you feel like that?" - Bruce Lomet (Chinaski)
Sweetbird doesn't know the answer to Bruce's question, but they are humbled by his comment about their music. To evoke such a response from a new listener is a blessing. When Connecticut-based singer/songwriter Christine Yandell and guitarist/composer Steve Waite met back in 2001, they had little idea they would be on the path they are on today. After several impromptu sessions, it was obvious there was a strong and unexplainable connection between the two musicians - a connection that is often referred to as "It." When
Christine and Steve played music together, "It" was there.
Sweetbird Is Born
Inspired by their musical connection, the duo set out to record a collection of songs each had written and settled upon the name "Sweetbird," partly in recognition of the enormous influence Joni Mitchell has had on both musicians (the song "Sweet Bird" appears on Mitchell's The Hissing of Summer Lawns). In 2003, Christine and Steve released their first record, Free Spirit Reflection (Broadband Records), which was produced by Grammy-nominated composer Paul Avgerinos. Free Spirit Reflection attracted the attention of music fans and industry professionals alike. After Christine and Steve finished recording the song "I Am Love," Avgerinos remarked they had "a smash hit record" on their hands. We are still patiently waiting, Paul! :)
The Voice Of An Angel
Encouraged by the positive feedback from their first record, Sweetbird went back into the studio in 2004 with Avgerinos to begin working on their second release. The fruit of their effort was Soul Fire (Broadband Records) - a record that featured a talented horn section led by veteran trumpeter Don Harris (who has worked with the likes of James Taylor, Celine Dion, and Stevie Wonder) and some inspired original lyrical compositions, including "A Time to Heal," "October's Child," as well as a cover of Emerson, Lake & Palmer's "Still, You Turn Me On." National music promoter Dr. Eugene Foley summed up Soul Fire this way: "Beautiful songs, intelligent lyrics and the voice of an angel."
New Frontiers
With two records under their belts, Sweetbird began performing more frequently at various venues around New England. Their music has been featured on commercial and Internet radio stations around the world. In 2006, the group was invited to appear on Poughkeepsie Live, a popular, award-winning music show. Christine and Steve have also contributed their musical talent to several ambient recordings by Paul Avgerinos, including Phos Hilaron (Round Sky Music) and the chart-topping album, GNOSIS (Round Sky Music). Christine's angelic vocalizations are also featured on Paul's latest release, Garden of Delight (RealMusic).
The Journey Continues "I gave you wings, why are you hiding them under your sleeves? Please give them a try, you can be more than you'd ever believe." And with the opening chorus from the "The Call," track one of Sweetbird's latest record, Shine (Broadband Records), Christine and Steve continue their journey together. Released in Spring 2007, the group's third record features 10 original, inspirational compositions as well as a cover of "Love Song" from Elton John's album Tumbleweed Connection . Shine may seem like a departure to those familiar with Sweetbird's previous releases. However, there were hints on those recordings indicating the direction in which the group's music was headed. The songs on Shine are a reflection of the powerful transformation that has been ongoing over the past six years in the hearts of Christine and Steve - a
transformation that continues today.
How this transformation manifests itself in Sweetbird's music in the future is unknown. However, if Sweetbird's songs continue to fill hearts with love and hope for humanity, as Mr. Lomet observed back in 2003, the group will have considered their journey together a wonderful blessing and a success.
All recordings mentioned above can be downloaded at iTunes and at other popular digital distribution outlets.
Thanks for listening and thank you for your support!
Hola Christine Yandeff! ~ Angelic Vocals! It's such a joy to hear your voice on G.O.D ( Garden of Delight ) If it weren't for MySpace I would have never heard of your wonderful sound, let alone Paul's work. I teach Belly Dance and when I heard g.o.d I had to get it for my cool downs! The girls love it and often ask me where I got the music from! They all live my classes feeling relaxed and happy as if they were in a peaceful place for at least one hour. I also write poetry and lyrics ( was a member of International Songwriter's Association in Ireland ) and had "Angel's Paradise" featured on the internet and on an anthology called Mystic Melodies www.unitedpress.co.uk
I would love to collaborate with lyrics or melodies, and if you want me to send you some music let me know! I cannot sing like an angel but I found someone who does! Christine you're amazing! Take care both of you! Elizabeth L Ford
Dear Christine and Steve, Thanks so much for your kind visit and comments. im really diggin your music here. you have a beautiful blend going. great heartfulness in sound. much respect, peace, love, light ~Will
Hello Christine & Steve, Thank you so much for finding me in this vast space. Im glad to have you guys in my circle..and also thrilled to be in yours. :) you guys got some great sounding set of trax. phenomenal sound.. the voice is really captivating and soothing. my tunes for the day..my salutes to a brilliant work. anyway, all the best to you both.. keep it smooth. stay in touch! have a fabulous weekend.. my respect and admiration.. be safe! CHILLAX!!!
HI and thanks for the add. Really appreciated. Wow..your music is just so beautiful. Listened to 2 tracks which blew me away so going to listen to some more! All the best my new friends here on Cyber Space. Brian. :-)
Your music is full of "different colours", so it makes me feel so positive in fact that I'm depresed person. Good luck for the future. Greet's for You and for Your bass player also too :D
stopped by for a peaceful sail on the lovely waters of your music. Beautiful is all I can say. So soothing and soulful. We need you. Keep it up. Peace, Greg
Hallo!!!! Christine and Steve. Here to listening to your fab. music and I have good time. Thanks for visiting in my magical space of art. Some poetry to lighten up your day. ***** PURE PEACE♥ I saw your beautiful face, and the light you have inside. Burning with eternal flame.
I said to you -The world seems right today. You smiled,your eyes were open wide. And you started to talk about GOD. And the things you wanted to do so well. I belived you,and in me it was peace again. A state of Mind. We took each other's hands,without holding them. we felt,we were One in that minute of shared, nearness.
The light of something bigger than us. Surrounded of the wisdom of love. We have got By let us understand each other. PEPITA SELLES Copyright Showing love and respect
Hello Christine & Steve . I'm actually listening to your songs and music now ! It's so, so Beautiful. I THANK YOU ! I'm actually listening to LIVE TO LOVE.
Finally have some time to enjoy your myspace again, it is a great pleasure to be of this time, and even better to have an opportunity to share in your brilliance. Thank you for being, Zena and Andras
