Usually solo, but Jimmy Lykens (Bass) and Mark Haas (Drums) musicate with me on occassion.
Influences
I have many different influences. People say that I am like a "human jukebox". A few include:
John Mayer
Musiq Soulchild
Jason Mraz
Brian McKnight
Jack Johnson
Stevie Wonder
Carter Beauford
Tito Puente
QBert and Mixmaster Mike
Luther Vandross
Boyz II Men
Timbaland
But some of the biggest influences are people who are simple teachers from school/jam sessions:
All my sisters, my brother, Keith, Don Hammond, Candee Minchin, Jon Perry, James Mitchell, Vernon Jackson, Travis McDermott, Andrew Jackson, Greg Watson, Rocky Savilla, Traci Stanley, John Harrison, Mark Haas, Jimmy Lykens, Eric Pyles, John Espy. . . thanks to all of you.
My first EP is available on
My first professional album, "Waiting", and EP, "Guarding Joey", will be downloadable on iTunes around the first week of April. The physical CDs will be released March 19th, 2009. Be on the lookout!
At the age of 5, Chris started to play piano, making his own renditions of songs he had heard his family members play and started to pick up music theory from observation.
When he turned 10, percussion became his passion and he began to play a role more and more in high school drumlines until he was 20 years old.
At the age of 13, Chris learned the art of turntablism from his brother. People also refer to Chris as DJ Cendana in the Huntington area, known for his unique scratching style and blend.
Finally, at 20, he began to play guitar in his spare time, learning chords with his friends, but was greatly influenced by Play's lead guitarist, Rocky Savilla.
Chris now resides in Morgantown, WV. He has played in many different venues -- Black Bear (Morgantown, WV), The Blue Moose Cafe (Morgantown, WV), Bocktown (Pittsburgh, PA), Blue Violet (Beaver, PA), 123 Pleasant Street (Morgantown, WV), Big Sandy Arena (Huntington, WV), Borders (Huntington, WV), Java Joint (Huntington, WV), Empire Books (Huntington, WV), Icon (Huntington, WV), Red Iguana (Huntington, WV), Holderby's Landing (Huntington, WV), Lola's (Charleston, WV), Sound Factory (Charleston, WV), The Daily Grind (Buckhannon, WV), and more.
Feel free to add as a friend, comment/rate, and of course, check him out on YouTube.
Yo Chris!! How ya been baby?! It's been to long my man...hope all is going well with you...I miss your face! Hit me up sometime...aannnd...loving the music by the way....keep it up! Hey!!..you remember the TEC we did together??? ummm...the one where you and I sang a beautiful rendition oh the Back Street Boys.....tried to block it out didnt you..hahaha! good times my friend! love you brother
Just wanted to thank you again for playing at our wedding party!!! I hope you had a blast...We sure did!!! We think you are an amazing artist and a wonderful person. Can't wait to hear you perform again.
OMG im going to die!! when i saw that lil demand thingy button ad majigger i FREAKED OUT!!
Chris, its so great to see that you heard me out and are trying to do a show in dallas (at least i think haha :D ) I REALLY REALLY A MILLION TIMES REALLY haha, would love for you to come and i hope you do...
Good Luck and great job on the new songs, they're great!
so my ipod totally died at work today and I looked you up on youtube and listened/watched everything you've posted! Just couldn't get enough :) Love the Never say Never cover. Peace & Love
Although Les Paul was not famous for acoustic guitar...he did start with such...in his memory, I wish to share with you,one of the greatest guitarist that ever lived. Les will be missed . TY Chris for allowing me to post this on your profile...hugz n xxxx Barbie/ Dawitch
Hey! Can I request for a cover of Free Fallin' by John Mayer (originally by Tom Petty)? Please, please? You make amazing covers and I love that song so I'm really curious how you'd do it.