Drive
After four eclectic albums behind the wheel ofMumbo Gumbo, Chris Webster emerges with her first solo spin. Although it's got plenty of horses under the hood--a couple of well-chosen covers (Van Morrison,Randy Newman) to bolster a solid batch of Webster originals and the able assistance of decorated veterans like theMemphis Hornsand Nashville steel guru Al Perkins--Drivedoesn't quite reach its destination. Webster's voice, though robust, lacks sass. And even the all-star sidemen have trouble breaking through the production's high gloss. That said,Drivemanages a pleasant approximation ofk. d. lang's genre-hopping country-pop. Like lang, Webster dips her fingers into soul and R&B;, adding a dash of Cajun spice with the swampy accordion on "Circles in the Wind." Here's hoping that next time out, Webster won't be so hesitant to roll down the windows and put her foot to the floor.--Anders Smith-Lindall