Los Angeles musician Chris is set to perform at The Flowerpot in Derby on July 8, just three days after the release of his 21st EP, “The Red Rose.”
Chris explained, “My goal with this EP was to create as much music as possible using the simplest tools. A violin, voice, a touch of melancholy, and some good ol’ fashioned foot-stomping. These are timeless, tribal elements that convey even the oldest emotions. While I love ensemble work, this EP presented a ‘pencil’ type of artistic challenge that I truly enjoy.”
The EP’s lead single, “I Never Learned To Drive,” was released earlier this month. Chris described it as “a song about the most disenfranchised, misunderstood, and under-acknowledged minority in Los Angeles: people who don’t drive! Channeling the spirit of Taj Mahal, Ry Cooder, and John Hiatt, ‘I Never Learned To Drive’ is an anthem for the ages.”
Chris has captivated audiences in over 40 US states, toured extensively in England, Belgium, and The Netherlands, and has a repertoire of more than 500 works. His albums feature A-list musicians from bands like Tom Waits, Wilco, X, The Desert Rose Band, Elvis Costello, and the Buena Vista Social Club.
“To me, music is liquid,” he said. “I’ll twist and turn, hammer and mould, shape, cut, and paste the music to create a fresh experience for my audience at all costs.”