Chris' Blog

I had a great evening with the crowd and staff at Al Centro last night.  Stuart Zaltz and I played for the dinner and drink crowd from 7 to 9.  We are going back on April 21st.

We had the opportunity to record MLC (Mid Life Crisis) at the Coach and Lantern in Ancaster, Ontario, Feb. 6th, 2010.  Ann Higgins and her band did a great job.  We will be producing a "live" CD for them over the next few months.

The new CD No Other Way is complete and has safely arrived from duplication. I am very excited about promoting this at a fund raising event for the Good Shepherd of Hamilton. We are expecting a sold out venue at the Downtown Arts Centre on Rebecca Street. I am told by Cathy Wellwood of the Good Shepherd that this has been the toughest year ever for looking after those in need. Here is what they need:

• Baby Formula (0-9 months)
• Diapers (size 3-6 & Pull-ups)
• Canned juice & powdered milk
• Canned Soup (chicken & vegetable)
• Cookies & granola Bars
• Olive oil
• Powdered Milk
• Canned pork & beans
• Canned meats & fish
• Canned stew & chili
• Instant coffee & tea
• Pancake mix & syrup
• Rice• Canned Fruit & vegetables
• Canned Pasta & Sauce
• Cereal & Kraft Dinner
• Dry pasta & Soups
• Mr. Noodles
• Peanut Butter & Jam

I am encouraging everyone who can attend to bring some of the items listed above to the event on January 28th. We will be donating the proceeds from the CD release performance to the Good Shepherd Center.

Just a few more days of mixing to complete the Album.  It should be ready by the third week in December!

The latest tracks have been added to the play list under the Music tab on my website.  This is going to be a great album. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

I had the great fortune of recording with some of the most sought after session players in the US.  Early August, 2009, I recorded three songs with Larry Byrom, Bob Wray and Mark Beckett at Wishbone Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.  Recording with these guys was a real pleasure.  The New CD will be available very shortly and features original songs written over the past five years.

Next week will be recording with some great musicians at Wishbone Studio in Alabama.  I'm on the home stretch to finishing my next CD.  This one has taken a while but I'm really happy with the sound, quality and production.  I hope to release it by the end of September.

Friday, July third was a great night.  I was joined by Stuart Zaltz, Mike Lumsden and Rob Davidson at the West Town.  Charlie Courchesne did flawless performance of Lean On Me.  Later, Joe Rhodes did a nice tribute to Jackie Washington while singing some Wilson Pickett songs.  Standing room only - everyone had fun.

"Chris, wow! I'm impressed I love your music it's very different and refreshing!"

Robin Mitchell,  Big River Broadcasting

Q-107 WQLT FM,  Florence, Alabama

I've been rehearsing and writing new music for the gig at the West Town on the 19th of June.  There will be some surprise musical guest appearances getting up to do a few tunes.  It should be a great evening.

Saturday night, May 23rd at the Brassie was fantastic.  I was joined by Stuart Zaltz (Keys & vocals), Rob Davidson (drums & percussion), and Mike Lumsden (Bass & vocals).  We celebrated a few significant birthdays thanks to Marg Politi - mine included!  Arash (owner of the Brassie) thought it might be dead, due to the "lobster fest" the same evening...the place was packed.  Charlie Courchesne got up and belted out a few tunes - blew the place away.

It’s funny that when times are tough economically the music culture in the Hamilton area explodes. I have seen so much talent in our city in the past few months. We are very fortunate to see many different genres of music supported by our local music lovers – everything from jazz and rock to folk and ska. Get out to experience a new venue, or listen to a band that you know nothing about.

The Hamilton All Star Jazz Band just celebrated their 25 year anniversary. I was honoured to have been asked to be the M.C. for the Alumni Concert at Hamilton Place on May the 2nd, 2009. We had musicians who came from all over Canada and the US to play in the Alumni Orchestra – It was amazing. Russ Weil has been the driving artistic force behind the organization which was started when he was the musical director at Westmount High School many years ago. It was an amazing concert from the current All Stars followed by the Alumni Orchestra. Hamilton Place was the best venue to feature such a great Hamilton iconic organization. www.hamiltonallstarjazz.org