Christine was a founding member of The Scratch Band, legendary throughout
the Northeast for their incendiary and eclectic live shows. The band released two LP's: the first was picked up by Decca and EMI worldwide, with Christine's stark piano-accompanied version of Dusty Springfield's "I Only Want To Be With You" becoming a turntable hit in the U.K. Beginning in September 1991, a portion of The Scratch Band reunited in the
studios of NBC's Saturday Night Live with Christine joining guitarist/vocalist/musical director G.E. Smith and bassist Paul Ossola, both former Scratch Band members, in the SNL band.
The 11-member group, featuring in its repertoire a heavy dose of Christine's favorite music--southern soul--took the stage (joined by Ry Cooder, Steve Cropper and Maceo Parker) as the house band for The 1994 Rhythm & Blues Foundation Pioneer Awards, a performance that was, in Ohlman's words, "just about the biggest flat-out thrill of my life. We were doing 'Tell Mama' and I looked around to catch Steve Cropper's eye only to spot Clarence Carter, who wrote the song, standing in the wings waiting to come on. I thought -- well, it just doesn't get much better than this" (although she admits that the 1992 Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Tribute Concert, where she sang with George Harrison and Chrissie Hynde, among others, edges out everything for sheer historical vibe).
While touring and recording are the main focus, Ohlman will continue to perform with the SNL Band in whatever capacity is called for. And she hasn't left soul music behind, as her scorching duet on "Our Love So Beautiful" with blues legend Eddie Kirkland on his latest CD Where You Get Your Sugar gives statement. Dedication to preserving the soul in rock n' roll has been the hallmark of Christine's work from the earlier days of The Scratch Band through a stint with Christine Ohlman and The Soul Rockers to her present band Rebel Montez'. Her earliest idols were Etta James, Ray Charles, and Jackie Wilson. "My mom taught me to love those artists," says Christine. "When she was growing up she used to frequent Cafe Society in New York City to hear Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Lena Horne. I just naturally picked up on blues and jazz through her. Then of course there was Elvis, and Jerry Lee, and the artists on Stax and Atlantic. At some point I also began to listen heavily to Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Elmore James. So my song writing reflects influences old and new. I always tend to lean toward wild guitar bands--you know, the 'crazies'."
With her trademark mile-high platinum beehive hairdo and enviable collection of sequins and rhinestones, Ohlman looks like a lady to be reckoned with, and when she opens her mouth to singŠthe truth comes out. But underneath it all lurks a no-frills approach to music; in her own words-"I give it to an audience straight, which is the way I like it myself. Yes, I like to shout, and I like to croon, and I love to wail. I just need to get in the groove and rock-not think too much about it - just tear it up or soothe it over. I've loved rock n' roll since I was a little girl, and I'll love it forever. It's my greatest kick and my greatest privilege to be able to get up on a stage and rip it apart. That's rock n' roll to me. I'm here to set your soul on fire."
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