randomchrisAn evening with Chris Bannister is an evening of rare quality.  Whether it is showcasing the exceptional talent of this singer-songwriter with his self-penned collection of songs, his covers of much-loved classics or undiscovered folk songs or his simply stunning tribute to the music of John Denver, it is easy to see how he has gained an international reputation which has delighted fans for over two decades.
 

His debut album ‘Only Human’ was released in 1992.  Produced in a small Liverpool studio and on an independent label, the album which combined country, folk and rock elements immediately caught the attention of legendary broadcaster, Bob Harris who added the album to his radio playlist.   The single ‘We Were Children’ was released in 1993, and having been included on the BBC radio 2 playlist, brought Chris’s work to a wider audience

Subsequently, his live shows were enthusiastically received and, being much in demand, Chris spent the next few years focussed on extensive touring, with up to 200 live performances a year before releasing his second album ‘Colours’ which he once again toured extensively. 

In 2001 Chris recorded the album ‘October Already’ at Revolution Studios in Cheshire.  This was produced by Andy McPherson and Justin Richards and featured Roy Martin on drums and Sad Cafe’s Ian Wilson on backing vocals and guitar.  ‘October Already’ served to cement Chris’s reputation as a songwriter and performer of exceptional quality.

chrisnewaboutusIn 2010 Chris began touring with his solo show ‘The Music of John Denver’ celebrating the life and work of the legendary singer/songwriter in his own unique way
Unlike “lookalike” tributes, Chris’s uncanny ability to recreate the sound of John Denver has brought him widespread acclaim.  It is a testament to his talent that Chris now has an international reputation and no surprise to learn that he regularly performs in Aspen Colorado to sell out audiences.  Chris  has worked alongside  Wrecking Crew saxophonist and flautist Jim Horn who was the longest serving musician in Denver’s band.  Chris also worked with  John Denver’s legendary lead guitar player Steve Weisberg, who played on hits like ‘Annie’s Song’ ‘Back Home Again’ and ‘Grandma’s Feather Bed’.  Steve sadly passed away last year and, in recognition of Chris’s exceptional talent and for his work in honouring the music of John Denver, Steve bequeathed his 1937 Epiphone guitar to Chris in his Will.
 
As well as continuing to write, record and perform his own music, Chris has recorded several John Denver radio specials for the BBC and toured the show extensively for the last six years.  This year Chris has introduced keyboard player Justin Randall and vocalist/guitar player Debbie Jones, adding a new dimension to his theatre shows.
 
In 2015 Chris released his fifth album.  Featuring Chris Nole on piano (John Denver’s keyboard player until the singers untimely death in 1997), the album entitled “The Unicorn and Other Stories” is a collection of Nova Scotian folk songs with entirely new arrangements and melodies which has delighted Chris’s existing fans and served to introduce Chris to a new audience who enjoy and appreciate his talent.