The Official Site of Songwriter Christina Lynn Martin, Writer and Producer of the Documentary Concert Romancing the West

Christina, known to her peers as a "Trobairitz,” the 12th century women songwriters who bore that name carries on the musical legacy of her ancestors. Christina, born to stage actress, Maureen Mansfield Carlson, granddaughter to National radio personality, Ronnie Mansfield and chorus-line dancer, Harriett Mansfield.

Her powerful lyrics and haunting Celtic folk style voice have moved audiences who feel the power of her story. These stories include ones that stir the soul by celebrating the history, mystery, and romance of the American Old West, relationships of love and loss, and the perpetual triumph of the human spirit while celebrating nature, history, and culture interwoven by exploring human experiences in memorable melodic songs filled with captivating textures and tempos.

Christina is the writer and co-producer of the critically acclaimed documentary concert Romancing the West.  She tours with Romancing the West Nationally with her husband cowboy poet Butch Martin and often joined by Martin Gerschwitz (Iron Butterfly, The Animals).  Christina is also the co-founder of pop/rock group Velvet Bleu, formed in the early 90's with Melissa Ritter and Amy Dyer (The Blue Delilah's). Velvet Bleu's was known for a distinctive vocal harmony blend, and powerful intricate arrangements.  Melissa and Amy now also make cameo appearances in Romancing the West with their band "The Blue Delilahs".

Christina's “Time Standing Still” features a duet with GRAMMY award-winning, Bryan Duncan and features the production of composer/arrangers Sean McCoy and Byron Fry and GRAMMY award-winning producer, Dennis Dragon. Her new singles, “I Won’t Cry” and “Titanic” are also featured on "Time Standing Still,” which also includes the new song "Romancing the West" featuring GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter, Pam Mark Hall.

The Songs of Christina are brought to life on the concert stage with lush arrangements played by some of the most renown musicians of our time including, guitarists Nick Garrett Powell and Barney Paul (Merle Haggard, Bonnie Raitt), legendary jazz pianist Patti Moran McCoy (Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess with Duke Ellington) , Martin Gerschwitz of Iron Butterfly, one of America’s top bassists in bass player magazine, Baba Elefante, violinist Paul McIntire, sax man Monte Byrd, Lavell Jones (Neil Diamond and Jim Sitter. 


Christina and Butch consider "Romancing the West", their life's work as much of their original music and poetry is in the show which takes audiences on a decade by decade exploration of American musical history spanning 240 years.  Christina guides the touring production and educational programs related to the show. The shows first season featured award winning artists including Martin Gershwitz of Iron Butterfly, Sons of the Oregon Trail, Gypsy Soul, John Elliott, pioneers of the Jesus Movement Chuck Girard and Pam Mark Hall, and Christinas former Velvet Bleu bandmates Melissa Ritter and Amy Dyer, The Blue Delilah's and is in it's tenth National touring season with Butch and Christina often joined by Martin Gerschwitz.  The production was inspired by the Jacksonville Jubilee, “Echoes of the Past” concert that Christina co-wrote and produced with lyricist, Paul Wyntergreen.

Christina’s children, continuing the musical dynasty, began to take the stage with her and began recording their own projects. Butch and Christina live in their log cabin on a ranch in Southern Oregon where they also record their weekly radio show Whittlers Corner.  Christina Lynn Martin's music can be heard on the radio stations listed on www.songsofchristina.com and is available online and in gift and iTunes and other music stores.

The Songs of Christina, celebrate the triumph of the human spirit, nostalgic places, the cycles of life, nature, and love in a haunting and memorable body of work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jSyse3Y1HM