Steve Christopher ‘Join The Queue’

This morning I was talking to Steve Christopher on how his music was coming along. 

As you may remember last we spoke he sounded reborn to music as after learning new tricks his been mixing and producing his own tracks. 

Well today we talked of his new track ‘Join The Queue’. 

I was listening to the MP3 and the first play took me back to the 80s and Pink Floyd ‘The Wall’ and it’s extended title track, it has that awesome guitar rift and deeper vocals. 

I thought the familiar rift really helps you love this track and the story it tells. 

Everyone gets told one time in your life “your special” or “you’ll go far” and after a while you start to believe them, then time passes and your still where you were, nothing has changed and there seems to be a line of many all told the same, wanting the same. 

Well that’s what story I got from this song and it’s so true as we all shine one point in our life, but if we miss the timing it passes and becomes too late. 

This song has two parts to me as the Pink Floyd rift is not all the way through the track the second part mid way through vocals change to a familiar Steve we know with some fantastic guitar and layers and a chorus that is rather catchy.

Every time Steve seems to surprise me, really hope you all love it too

The Chain Live @ The Elms review

Now a few years ago on this very blog I put together a review for this local rock band from Chichester. That band was 'The Chain' and since I have seen them a number of times in various locations.

You may ask then, why am I writing another review? Well since my last review a few years ago there has been a band line up change which to some fans who have not seen / heard the new line up caused concern.


So on Saturday September 1st at The Elms, Broadwater I took the opportunity to find out myself.
Band line up now has 2 Steve's now with me being Steve too talking to them I could hear Harry Hill's voice in my head going "3 Steve's, one pub, what's the chances of that happening ah?".

Seriously thou here is the new line up : -
Dawn - vocals & percussion
Steve C - lead guitar & vocals
Jo - Rythmn guitar & vocals
Steve - Drums
P - Bass guitar & vocals

So what is different from last time is a new drummer Steve and one less female lead singer.

The questions then is how did they sound as before so many talked of these two girls singing so well together complimenting each other? Could they still be as strong, rock and still have that energy they showed before?

Well as the band set up friends I know who have admired the band for a number of years turned up surprised at the change & talk started.
It was interesting hearing what others were expecting or not expecting, I won't go into what they were just will say they were not disappointed with end result.

The band kicked the show off with two slow more laid back numbers which was surprising to me, but the vocals by Dawn were so pure and P on bass supported her vocals was really lovely.

Someone standing near me said he felt the vocals were less confusing now as her voice (Dawn's) stood out on it's own instead of hearing two in harmony and not being able to tell who is who.

Also it was said every member can hold their own and with the new line up you can hear this band teamanship more as they all play as one.

Myself? Well I noticed a stronger confidence within Dawn coming to blossom like a sun flower does when it sees the sun, soon as the band starts those lights starts and she comes to life. Her vocals showed a stronger more various pitches & tones now as had no one to have to harmony with. It was really great to hear someone you know use a voice like you not heard before highlight of evening for me.

As ever thou Dawn knows how to hold everyone watching the band in her hand and reel them in so lots of funny banter in between tracks were had by all.

The energy of the band stood out all night as full speed cranked from start to end.
If anyone worried their be less energy due to one less they were proved very wrong.
It be fair to say every part of the stage and out on dance floor was used.

I was surprised at how many new numbers the band covered and could see why they now are now known as a Rock Anthem band as true rock classic's were outstanding.

To hear amazing covers of Reo Speedwagon, Queen, AC/DC, Bad Company, Billy Idol, Bon Jovi to just name a few got those with me rocking.
Steve C on guitar took on (sang) a few classic tracks & was teased with a feather boa while doing so, but like a pro kept going, playing in the style I have got to know him too.

Jo at the begining of the evening by all the band and myself was known to not be feeling too good. I doubt thou anyone noticed at once he picked up his guitar he played & sang to his normal high standard & my thoughts of his acoustic guitar playing has not changed, still not seen anyone play live as good as him.

P on bass OK for this blog he prefer not to have his name mentioned and I respect that, however cannot go write this without saying how amazing he was on bass, he now supports more on vocals and as I have said already compliments Dawn on backing really well. I heard him take over on one track for Steve c due to Steve C on lead guitar going into an amazing technical rift and thought to myself "P where have you been hiding these vocals?".

Steve on drums, well he really packs a punch as with some of the new rock tracks added to the set they have some really fast drum breaks and watching him go I thought he put Duracell to shame as WOW!
What got me with Steve too after first half of some real powerhouse drumming he walks to the bar not even broken a sweat 'cool guy or what?'

So I think personally no one needs to worry over THE CHAIN they still have what they always had plus I feel a bit more extra punch.
So Still recommend to go see them or book them

Offical website
www.thechain.biz

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/#!/thechainband

Sky 1 'Don't Stop Me Now' ....was a Breeze

How fantastic was it to see our Bre Kilpin AKA Breeze not only appear on
Sky 1's 'Don't Stop Me Now' but to win it too.

I first got to know of Bre via 'You Tube' and also her mother Heather who was supporting another project I was working on at the time. Soon as I heard those golden vocals it was "WOW".

Since I've known & been helping/supporting Breeze I have introduced her to various artists from many musical backgrounds all were totally blown away by her vocal talents.

First was Pete Waller AKA DeafboyOne who used Bre's vocal talents on an alternative cover of a classic track 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina' which stormed the Reverbnation charts and stayed No.1 almost all of 2009 left then took the top spot again.

She was also introduced to Steve Christopher (The Chain & Moondance) who worked with Bre & composed and recorded songs with her.
This Ocotober 6th in Chichester at The Venue Breeze will be appearing with The Steve Christopher Band a newly formed rock band featuring some very talented musicians.
Breeze will be performing the songs written for her so all exciting stuff and tickets for this event 'PartaY on till Dawn' can be brought via link below

http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2512871828

So Well done Bre re -Sky 1 and cannot wait for the LIVE show hope to see some of you readers there too - Ace

NEW ALBUM NEWS - Steve Christopher

Here is the latest news on Steve Christopher's 2nd album to follow 'MONNDANCE' featured on a previous blog.




Things are slowly progressing towards April as the release month for Album # 2.

On a recent radio show it appears to have assumed the name Partay til Dawn as the title track.. Who am I to argue. Tracks so far outlined and earmarked are:

Partay on til Dawn,

On the Level,

We are the Children,

Not letting go,

She will have her day,

Damned if I do (Currently my favourite),

Rock n Roll Mama,

Finally,

and W.Q.A.

The title for this last song comes from what was going through my mind when I had to save the work done on it. It does'nt really relate to the lyrics but it means. "What questions answered".

Partay... is what is suggests, Music... Parties.... Good sesh... You get the picture.

On the Level, is based on our recent re-involvement with children. Never lie to a child, always be open and honest and the rewards mostly will be trust and honesty back at you.

We are the Children, is along similar lines but more seeing the world through a childs eyes and heart. They need to be heard, loved and understood. That's our job as adults.

Not letting go, is a general opinion about how relationships can build and suffer because one partner was insincere in the beginning and folds the gaming table up and takes it with them (figuratively speaking)

She will have her day, is tracking the three main stages (very losely) of a girls growing from baby, to teenager to adult. I like the song and make no apologies for assumptions of the female psyche.

Damned if I do, is a remake of a song I originally recorded a couple of years ago called Drive to my Caravan. My partner Mel, felt that needed more work so I changed it completely and I love the result.

Rock n Roll Mama, was a throwback to my days jamming in Rock and Roll bands and doing sessions for anyone who would have me. It's tongue in cheek fun

W.Q.A, is purely written round a riff that I liked and expanded on. The lyrics grew as the recording went on about prejudices, reading a book by it's cover and about a particular one sided relationship I had with a very shallow person. You'll get the picture when you listen to the words....?

All these tracks are vocal tracks and as such are in keeping with the album mindset.

I sincerely hope you can get some enjoyment from this album. What will here is genuinely me exposed as a vulnerable person that has feelings. Just like you.

Steve Christopher

Anyone for a MOONDANCE???

No not talking Michael Jackson...


Back in July 2010 I reviewed a gig by 'The Chain' live at The Elms Worthing.
In the band I mentioned someone I already knew before seeing the concert a Steve Christopher, singer/songwriter and former singer/songwriter with 'Lorelei'

Now in my music promoting I either come across new talent or someone introduces me to them in this case it was the latter.

I am so pleased too as such a talent, such a natural on the axe a master.

Hear I will tell you not only how 'Moondance' came to be but tell you a little about the tracks on the album.

During 2010 Steve Christopher sent me a collection of songs he had written/composed & over time he often joke "hey! nearly enough for an album boy". Then the track 'Moondance' came on MP3 & the production level is so high on this with multi layers of guitars not only me but others said "should be name of the album" and what started off as banter in conversation soon became reality.

One afternoon with free time which is often rare for me I designed the cover in fact 3 versions sort of like a joke & stuck them on Steve Christopher's Facebook page saying to his friends "which one for the album cover?" and the one which is now the official cover is the one most voted by his friends & himself I may add.

It got funny as Steve said to me "well it looks like I'm making an album then" then we both got serious into making it happen.

Out of a possible 17 tracks we picked 12 & played with running order & this is what became 'Moondance by Steve Christopher...

Track one 'Sexy Baby' kicks off the album an instrumental that starts with almost acoustic country feel but soon has this amazing electric rock sound that reminds me of those classic 70's big solo's we all use to love. Much like the rest of the album it features layers of guitars that blend & sing together.
I found myself come addicted however to the next track 'Too Loud For Love' a tongue in cheek song of love sung by Steve with a feel of ZZ Top to the guitar solo. This track really rocks.

The next track 'Time For Heroes' is another instrumental and thoughts were of those endless heroes who give themselves for their country. The guitar work is so haunting on this especially on big sound system as that Brian May style guitar screams like a battle cry truely a very moving track.
The mood changes for 'In This World' acoustic/electric almost folk in style a story about search for love amoung other things. While 'Sea Breeze' is one of those songs you can close your eyes & just be there as it so has the feel of being at sea.
I remember being so impressed at Steve's axe doing impressions of wildlife as it screams like a seagul in parts so amazing & real.

'Whispered Thoughts' has some amazing acoustic work that again reminds me of real classic rock like Fleetwood Mac. The electric guitar like the rest of the album sings so beauitful.These instrumentals on this album really carry well on various players true pleasure to the ears.
The title track follows the previous track which I already talked of earlier. It is followed by 'Just To Be Me' which is a real personal track as in title it's lyrics are very much about Steve & how he feels making music. It has the lines 'I know I must keep my feet firmly on the ground, to be true to be free just to be me'.
Now the instrumental 'Labour Of Love' is much loved by many & like many other tracks on this album is very personal to Steve as he really does make the creating of music a labour of love as he puts so much of himself into these compositions.
The following track is older than many featured on 'Moondance' as I sort of requested it (he smiles). See when I first knew Steve he had not long sold a guitar he was sad to see go. This guitar he recorded himself playing before it was picked up & went off to it's new owner. This track logically was entitled 'My Old Guitar' and such a wonderful track it is too really showed how much he thought of it while listening I know sounds corny to you but listen you know what I mean.
'Murder In The First Degree' is the final vocal track of the album & Steve was shocked when I reported to him that I had feedback from people thinking it was new Status Quo due to Steve's vocals sounding so much like Francis Rosi. The guitar work on the track as like all the album is totally awesome.
The final track of 'MOONDANCE' is 'From The Hip' and when I first heard this it took me back to days of 'The Ole Grey Whistle Test' I know showing my age but was so impressed & feel it finishes the album of nicely.

MOONDANCE is an amazing journey for real music lovers especially lovers of the axe.



Check Steve Christopher out on
http://www.reverbnation.com/stevechristopher
http://www.whotune.com/Steve_Christopher
http://www.myspace.com/soundthemes
http://www.youtube.com/user/SteveChrist1
http://www.facebook.com/SteveChristopher

GIG REVIEW – The Chain

On Saturday 3rd July I went over to The Elms Pub which is almost at my backdoor to watch a live band ‘The Chain’ who are a local West Sussex band from the Chichester area.

Now I knew two people from the band via websites such as Facebook, Myspace & Whotune but never heard the band live. So after talking to singer/songwriter Steve Christopher (lead guitar) & Dawn Gracie (vocals) it was time to let them set up, tune up & go live.
Now you can imagine as much as you like, second guessing how any band will sound live. I had seen videos & heard MP3 tracks of ‘The Chain’ but nothing prepared me for what I heard that hot summer night in Worthing.

My friends had arrived & just with a few short guitar rifts from Steve, Pete & Jo in a tune up they said “you know I’m happy already”. The girls came on Vibeke Huges (Vee) & Dawn and they (the band) went into a sound check by performing ‘The Chain’ a Fleetwood Mac classic from the album ‘Rumours’ and being a F1 fan too it has always been a favourite of mine.
This sound check or warm up call it what you like was just amazing the guitar work truly top rank & my friend Graham said “are your telling me THAT is just the warm?”

Well when The Chain kicked off into an action packed rocking few hours of non-stop classic tracks ranging from Guns n Roses, Bon Jovi to Lily Allen & Katy Perry to Alanis Morissette & Michael Jackson covers to name a few it all just blew me away.
One track ‘Copperfield Road’ a classic track by Steve Earle my friend Graham was forced to jump in air with excitement it being his favourite track and saying The Chain performed it with total class and said it left him with a buzz.

I was listening to comments from friends around who were commenting on everyone in band & all what they said I had to agree with.
Steve Christopher makes his guitar sing & BOY does he? You know his so humble that guy? In 5min break he was concerned due to extreme heat it was affecting his guitar well we as sure as hell could not tell as the sound was amazing like a craftsmen with his axe he cut through the tracks with sheer precession.
As for Jo Pritchard from Electric to acoustic man the sound was good. He changed instruments throughout the night to fit the tracks & played with perfection. A comment I heard was “I have never seen anyone play an acoustic & make it sound so amazing”.
As for Andy Bates on drums I really felt for this guy the heat was so bad that night with added stage lights no windows open talking extreme temperatures & the action, power & energy he put in every track it just kept on coming. We later found out his secret was a secret mini bucket of jellybeans.
Now as for bass guitar I always find in music throughout years that the bass player gets forgotten for example once heard Queen described to me as Freddy Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor & that bass guy but you cannot forget Pete (*surname withheld by request) his playing stands out so much especially in the big meaty rock tracks. For a small guy he packs a big sound.
Now the girls Dawn Gracie & Vibeke Huges (Vee) I thought for this review shall I mention them separate or together? Well thing is I heard from friends all night that “don’t they both work off one another so well?” and also “both their voices sound so right together” which I had to agree as you hear for example ‘Sweet Child Of Mine’ (as featured on CRMK Radio http://www.thegroover.net ) you hear both their voices sounding totally awesome together. As for Dawn someone said “doesn’t that girl stand still for five minutes” not saying Vibeke does it is just that Dawn jumps off stage running around singing among those enjoying the show true showmanship for sure. It sort of shouts at you loud that the band are having fun too. When you see the two girls go into their dance routine in instrumental breaks within tracks their timing is spot on & like everything to do with The Chain the routines are filled with high energy.
Dawn and Vibeke both sing as one with this equal sound both complimenting the other which makes their voices sort of blend together. Their true power behind each individually does come clear to you during the evening.

The whole evening was a fantastic joy for the ears and for the soul. After the gig had ended, everything packed away my friends talked and I remember one friend who had seen many big names in his time say “you know mate all the bands I have seen none have ever moved me to dance before like these did tonight they really rock”.

If I had to sum up The Chain and also that gig I would have to be forced to use my friend Baz comment THEY REALLY ROCK

They say they want to get into a party band …. Man I love to have them at any party

Check them out on
Official site
http://www.thechain.biz
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Chain/127749987768?ref=ts