Bio: How it all began.
CHRIS ENGLISH MUSIC
Chris recognized his musical calling at a very early age. He began
by singing in the church youth choir and, at his father's urging,
taking piano lessons.
His first band was a trio featuring younger brother, Terry, on
trumpet and Mike, his older brother, on 12-string acoustic guitar.
Chris played piano, of course.
High school and college opened new musical doors including
opportunities to work with established acts such as The Doobie
Brothers and Hall & Oates. A stint with the early alt-country
band Stoney Creek gave Chris a chance to stretch as a writer and multi-instrumentalist. The band also featured noted singer/songwriter Drexel Rayford - a childhood (and permanent) friend - and Nashville producer/instrumentalist Craig Duncan. In the years following, Chris has worked with David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, INXS, The Smithereens, Don Dixon, Marti Jones, The Psychedelic Furs, Don Was, T-Bone Burnett, Joe Strummer, Ziggy Marley and many others.
In the late 1990s Chris, along with a few close friends, founded an improvisational theatre troupe, The Avant-Gardeners. Though well-received and critically acclaimed, the group never found its footing and disbanded after less than two years. About the same time Chris joined Pinkwood Flat (the band featured Otis from the infamous Animal Bag and M4 Messenger, and singer/songwriter Ivy Sky) and his current music stylings began to emerge. Although a short-lived collaboration, the band forged lasting friendships and the collaboration nudged the members toward finding their true musical identities.
Bands and other musical projects have come and gone but Chris' love for musical composition and arrangement has remained. He plays a number of instruments including the piano, guitar, bass, drums, banjo, mandolin and electric sitar. He has performed from coast to coast and in Europe; written and produced commercial jingles and has scored short films and a couple of touring puppet shows. A college instructor by day, Chris works with students in realizing their filmmaking potential. His media projects include commercials, interactive training media, web media and an occasional music video. Film and video work has afforded Chris marvelous opportunity for international travel. While on location, Chris actively seeks the opportunity to perform his music.
When composing, Chris finds inspiration in every aspect of life. He is, however, especially moved to write music inspired by his wife and best friend, Donna Oliver.
Dreamtown was released in Autumn 2008 on the SideBMusic label. The disc features a variety of musical styles and lush, intricate arrangements. Chris composed, arranged, performed and mixed the record at the Guest Room - his home studio in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Bio: How it all began.
