Chris Altmann

If you had any doubt about the international appeal of Americana, look no further than the opening and closing acts at The Rutledge. Chris Altmann, part of the Americana Music Association and Sounds Australia’s Aussie Invasion, put on a tight one-man show that mixed original songs with classic country hits. Altmann won many fans with his sincere delivery and passion for Americana music. - Nashville Festivals Examiner

Click link to read article - Rhythms Magazine (Australia)

BY SARAH GREENE
Last year Australian songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Chris Altmann shifted his focus away from his heavier project, the Vandas, to put out Que Paso, a solo album showcasing his country-soul side. He also recently relocated to Canada, where he’s now promoting the album.

Que Paso initially comes across as silly barroom country music, but it’s a grower. Altmann is charismatic and seemingly ready to move in new directions on bluesy opener Who Knows Where. Love Like This has a sweet, simple nostalgic feel, and All The Things That You Do is a clever, clangy duet.

Altmann sings comfortably from behind the kit, Levon Helm-style, and plays most of the instruments himself (very well). Because the music is so much in the spirit of the Band, you can’t help but wonder how much better it’ll all sound live.

Top track: Who Knows Where - NOW Magazine (Toronto)

Not sure if the term “Australiana” has been coined yet, but there’s a wave of roots-based artists from the land Down Under getting exposed in Canada. Altmann has actually relocated here (to Peterborough) and this country rock album shows he’s a talent worth welcoming. He has worked with such notables as Mick Thomas (Weddings Parties Anything), Wagons and the Little Stevies. On this, his debut solo CD, he shows he’s a skilled multi-instrumentalist (piano, banjo, drums and steel guitar), as well as a robust singer and talented songwriter. Pounding piano and female backing vocals are key ingredients to songs like “Deadly Nightshade” and “All The Things You Do,” making his sound more Leon Russell or Jerry Lee than Keith Urban. The raucous “Who Know Where” and “Hard Tac” likely go over a treat in a loud bar. The steel-driven “Love Like This” has a Blue Rodeo/Greg Keelor vibe, while the spirit of Doug Sahm permeates “Muchos Grandes.” This is an upbeat and highly entertaining premiere outing.
(Ridin’ High) - Exclaim! (Canada)

Not sure if the term “Australiana” has been coined yet, but there’s a wave of roots-based artists from the land Down Under getting exposed in Canada. Altmann has actually relocated here (to Peterborough) and this country rock album shows he’s a talent worth welcoming. He has worked with such notables as Mick Thomas (Weddings Parties Anything), Wagons and the Little Stevies. On this, his debut solo CD, he shows he’s a skilled multi-instrumentalist (piano, banjo, drums and steel guitar), as well as a robust singer and talented songwriter. Pounding piano and female backing vocals are key ingredients to songs like “Deadly Nightshade” and “All The Things You Do,” making his sound more Leon Russell or Jerry Lee than Keith Urban. The raucous “Who Know Where” and “Hard Tac” likely go over a treat in a loud bar. The steel-driven “Love Like This” has a Blue Rodeo/Greg Keelor vibe, while the spirit of Doug Sahm permeates “Muchos Grandes.” This is an upbeat and highly entertaining premiere outing.
(Ridin’ High) - Exclaim! (Canada)

Click link to read article - The Sunday Mail (Adelaide)

Click link to read article - The Sunday Mail (Adelaide)

Click link to read article - No Depression

Click link to read article - Beat Magazine

Click link to read article - Forte, Tsunami

Click link to read article - Forte, Tsunami

Click the link to view the article - The Age (Melbourne)