As a virtuoso bass guitarist, Chris’ music is inspired and innovative. Influenced by a wide range of genres such as jazz-fusion, funk, traditional hymns and world music, Chris presents a faith-filled, musical narrative that is deeply personal, beautifully textured and highly creative. His ministry will engage audiences of all ages.
As a session musician, Koelma has performed and recorded with an array of artists such as Dale Willis, Shane Fritsch, Marty Simpson (Australian Idol 2007) Amanda Stevens, Nick & Liesl and Kelvin Brown. As a solo artist, Chris has been featured at schools, festivals, jazz clubs and statewide church events as well as performing as a support artist for 'Diesel' and ‘The Sons of Korah’. He is carving his own niche in the music world and is set to both inspire and challenge the next generation. He has a completed a bachelor of arts/bachelor of teaching degree, keeping in mind his ambition of sharing the ‘universal language’ of music not only through education but also through his own free expression during performances and workshops. The Sydney based musician admires music’s ability to touch individuals, and will use the medium to pass on ‘whatever I can’.
This is reflected in his self-titled, debut album launched in January 2008, where his unique feel for ‘bass-driven’ contemporary jazz is highlighted.
On his album, Koelma performs with saxophonists Luke Gallen and Mike Hutchens, pianist Steve Earp, vocalist Mikaela Prout and his brother Eric on drums. His playing of the bass guitar with phenomenal dexterity remains the central focus however, with the mixing of as many as six overlapping tracks of bass. Koelma, as the song titles from his album ‘A Day in the Life of a Spaniard’ and ‘The Bodhi Tree’ suggest, delves in and mixes music from across all cultures, while also using it to reach people from every way of life.
I made this .gif image with a hyperlinking function so it goes to St Leonards page (click on picture). let me know if you want it. I'll sign in to myspace as you and paste it in for you so you have the code.
p.s I'm trying to find another gif creator so i can lose the annoying words in the top left. But meh, i put it together in about 10 mins so whatever, i'll fix it later.
Thanks for being LEROYs new myspace buddy! Do check out our myspace page if ya can make a gig in the not too distants....we got a few fun ones coming up in the new year! Take care n Merry Xxxmas! Love, LEROY
no joke, i've probably already listened to your album about 8-9 times in the past 2 days and im not about to get sick of it. unbelievable amount of generic crap out there these days, this really is a breath of fresh air. if u wake up one day with no fingers and mine look slightly longer.... uhhhh.. it was eric *looks to sides suspiciously*
Hey Chris, thanks for making the effort to come. It was nice to have you there. The award was a bit unexpected. We were stoked just to be nominated for that category. It really was a combined effort, so a big thanks to you and Shannon! Look forward to catching up sometime. Let me know if you need an average guitar player for a jam :-) Cheers, Nick
Hey! I hear I am to congratulate you on receiving a well earned reward/scholarship(?) for being a primary-school-teacher-nerd! So CONGRATULATIONS!!! =]
