Chris has grown up amongst the fantastic musical diversity around Manchester/north-west UK, having been involved in the vibrant irish traditional music scene there, and the not so well known traditional music of his native region of Lancashire and the north-west in general. He is now based in France, playing concerts all over europe.
Whilst staying close to his musical roots, he is very much part of a living tradition and as such likes to keep an open mind and attitude towards other musical styles and influences.
Chris plays traditional Flutes / Whistles, and various other instruments including: Mandolin, Bouzouki, Bodhran, Keyboards, Bass, Didgeridoo. . .
FLUTES
He's also well known for his flute making skills, with players such as Michael McGoldrick, Sylvain Barou, Jean-Michel Veillon etc, all using his renowned 'Rhiannon' bamboo flutes. . . and is also one of the rare flute players who can play the flute using circular breathing, a technique which allows to play indefinitley without a break in the note.
KELTIAC
His band KELTIAC was originally formed on moving to France and has evolved into a six piece band playing at festivals all over Europe.
click here for the KELTIAC myspace page
"OUT ON THE EDGE"
The album, "Out on the Edge" is for the most part Chris's own compositions and arrangements (for all instruments) and has participations from some of the most respected musicians on the folk/celtic music scene today, including : Michael McGoldrick (Capercaillie, Lunasa, Afro-Celts, etc), Dan Ar Braz !, Alain Genty (Barzaz, Gwerz, etc), Sylvain Barou (Guidewires, Denez Prigent, Comas, etc), Annie Ebrel. . .
"Quality Celtic crossover folk/rock/jazz" "allows for some sterling results" ".not bad at all !" FOLK ROOTS magazine.
Click here to get the album 'Out on the Edge' now on AMAZON !
RUNE
Also check out RUNE, a new four piece band, featuring David 'Hopi' Hopkins (percussionist from legendary Breton group Barzaz)
click here for the RUNE myspace page
Producer/arranger/session musician
Chris also works with other artists as a producer, arranger, or session musician for various album and live projects .
.a few examples:
.with the Brian McCombe band on electric bouzouki:
.on didgeridoo, with Louis-Jacques Suignard et Loar Gann:
instruments.
Chris plays on a custom made Kai Toenjes bouzouki, his own 'Rhiannon' bamboo flutes, cocus wood 'D' flute by Stephane Morvan, and various australian yidakis (didgeridoos) in various keys.
and.
.and apart from the music (as if all that isn't already enough !), Chris also happens to be an experienced archer with approximately twenty five years specialising in medieval archery, and has also been involved in various historical TV and film productions. . .
