A world class lead guitarist - Chris began playing guitar at an early age, one of his first major influences was Manitas De Plata, who inspired in him a love of flamenco guitar. At the age of fourteen he developed a passion for blues and went on to gigs in London at venues like Ronnie Scotts with John Mayall, John McVie and George Melly. As a young lead guitarist he also jammed/played with many of the R&B and rock legends of our time, including Rory Gallagher, Jimmy Paige, Ginger Baker, the late Paul Kossof, Captain Beefheart, Dick Stubbs (Juicy Lucy), Linda Lewis (Ferris Wheel), Dave Davies (The Kinks), Roy Wood (Wizard), Mickey Finn (T-Rex), Mark Knopfler, Led Zeppelin, Peter Green, Jeff Beck. Most unforgettably with the great blues legend Booker White. More recently Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience) and John Coughlan (Status Quo). The instrumental concept album Strange Island a journey through space, time and lands of the imagination borne of a shared idea with the late Freddie Cousaert to whom the album is dedicated, and who was a Motown legend and Manager/Producer of Marvin Gayes Sexual Healing, Diana Ross, and Bobby Womac. Chris's work demonstrates his diversification as a musician and composer, and reflects his interest in Middle Eastern, African, Cuban and Asian rhythms. Major influences include Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin, and Frank Zappa.

My Friends in Radio, Press and Music...Please spread the word, post to your sites, whatever you can do to help this charity I am absolutely delighted to be a part of. Please be a part of it too :)))))

SIR BOB GELDOF BACKS CHILDREN IN CRISIS CD

Sir Bob Geldof heads a list of musicians who are donating music tracks to a one off CD being produced by Tina McBain begin_of_the_skype_highlighting     end_of_the_skype_highlighting and Ian Gibbons in collaboration with the Mayor of Tamworth (UK) Lee Bates, for the charity CHILDREN IN CRISIS www.childrenincrisis.org.

Sir Bob Geldof, Phil Bates and Mik Kaminski of ELO and ELOII fame (now of The Orchestra), Midlands Singer/Songwriter Eddy Moreton, from France Blues Guitarist Chris Dair and American Blues icon Mark Ringler have all agreed to donate tracks. Accoustic artists Barry and Chloe Hunt, Jem McAuley and Martin Kelly, Jo and Rosie Bates have also answered the call.

American artist Rick Hunt offered his services for the artwork of the album.

It will be released in November with 300 copies produced at £10 each plus post and packing. If anybody would like to pre-order a copy of the Mayor of Tamworth Children in Crisis Album email Tina at [email protected]