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26-year-old Macon, Georgia native Chris Bartlett has been writing and playing music since his early teens. Raised in a musical family, singing or playing an instrument was a form of family interaction. Because of this, music is practically Chris’s first language.

It’s no surprise that Chris started performing publically early in life — mainly honing his skills in church youth groups and community theater musicals. The first instrument Chris learned to play was piano. But, since he was raised to be independent and self-sufficient, Chris quickly gravitated to guitar. He could accompany himself with a guitar, and, of course, carry it around a lot easier than a piano. (Chris didn’t completely abandon the piano — he has been known to play keyboards on stage from time to time.)

Before emphasizing his solo career, Chris was frontman for Thelonius, a high-energy, Atlanta-based funk combo. Thelonius was described by Dom Bantock of Fish Market Publications as “a 5-piece powerhouse of funk combined with hyper-intelligent displays of improvisation. It’s a living, breathing monster.”

Chris met fellow members of Thelonius while majoring in music performance at Georgia College. The band became well known in Macon and in Athens, Georgia, and grew into something of a legend in Milledgeville, the home of Georgia College. Thelonius’s annual Halloween shows in Milledgeville became huge events.

Made up entirely of music majors, Thelonius was known for a powerful combination of incredible musicianship and showmanship. The group disbanded when one of the core members joined a popular touring jam band, and another began a top-level career as a studio musician.

Chris still takes frequent breaks from his solo career to perform with other musicians in the Southeast. And, occasionally, Thelonius reunites for special occasions.

“I’m proud to have played with those guys,” Chris says, “All we did is cross the beams — you know, like in Ghostbusters. I know Egon says it’s dangerous, but we did it anyway. And still do, from time to time.”

Regarding his current solo career, Chris says, “I love it. I’m doing something I love and it’s actually paying the bills - that’s not supposed to happen. The great thing is that I can still get so much better at it. All this is happening so fast and I couldn’t be happier.”

After impressing producer Habersham Hall with his songwriting skills, Chris signed with Explo-Sound Records in early 2006. From the beginning of this journey in Chris’ career his focus remains the same: “I don’t want fame or riches, fans or fan clubs, mansions, cars, or record deals. All I want is you — and I want a smile on your face.”