Clive Gregson & Christine Collister: “This is the Deal” (1989)
As a duo Gregson and Collister were major figures in British folk rock in the late 80’s/early 90’s, similar to what Richard and Linda Thompson had been about a decade and a half earlier. The connections don’t end there: Gregson was a member of Richard Thompson’s band. And Thompson backed Gregson on occasion as well.
Gregson and Collister shared with the Thompsons a common configuration of a male songwriter and highly regarded guitarist accompanied by a female singer with a much-admired voice. Both couples sang songs of domestic turmoil. In the Thompsons’ case those songs were often autobiographical. In the case of Gregson and Collister, hopefully less so. “This is the Deal” for example is about an abusive relationship.
This acoustic performance really highlights Christine Collister’s husky alto–I love when she brings it on the higher notes.
Every Moment Has A Song 