Eric R. Danton on Christine Ohlman

"With her band Rebel Montez, the longtime Connecticut resident takes rock back to its roots on 'The Deep End' (Horizon Music Group), her first album of original material in five years. It's a varied collection, featuring contributions from Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci, Marshall Crenshaw, Levon Helm and Big Al Anderson on 15 songs that range from brisk shuffles to subtle twang to shades of doo-wop. Ohlman anchors the proceedings with her throaty, rock 'n' roll survivor's voice, radiating gritty attitude on opener 'There Ain't No Cure' (with help on the chorus from fellow Connecticut resident Hunter, of Mott the Hoople fame) and letting the emotion flow on the 'Cry Baby Cry,' a duet with DiMucci, who helmed the Belmonts. They talk back and forth on the verses, explaining their respective positions over shuddering tremolo guitar, and sing ruefully of missed opportunities on the chorus. Windsor native Anderson guests on two songs, adding a tasteful guitar parts to the title track and dialing in a trebly, countrified twang on 'Love You Right.' When she's not fronting Rebel Montez, Ohlman sings with the 'Saturday Night Live' band" ("CD Review," SoundCheck, 3/29/10).