ROSS CHRISTOPHER

Ross Christopher’s The River Child is a minimalist epic, lyrically and musically compact. Self-penned, recorded, engineered and produced, it’s a pure DIY effort.

Hailed for his electric violin prowess in live performance, Christopher is subdued, even when he trades extended guitar and violin solos—with himself—on “Blinded My Eyes (Wasting),” which borrows Dylan’s oft-quoted “Watchtower” minor progression. At turns vocally suggestive of Live frontman Ed Kowalczyk sans the trademark snarl, Christopher sings with a quiet intensity. Faith is a consistent thread as he reworks “Amazing Grace” with an altered melody line and later sings, “Release Him, let Him go” in “Barabbas,” appropriating both the Biblical prisoner’s persona and crowd’s words speaking of (and to) Christ prior to the crucifixion. —GMG - Performing Songwriter

"There's a total involvement in the music you are producing...its pretty mesmerizing. I can see why you have developed a following of fans." - Violinist.com 2008

"You've got some really cool, unique stuff going on, congrats on everything so far!"

Kurt Bradley of Sterling Sound (NYC)
(Coldplay, Michael Jackson, Maroon5, Ben Folds, Mat Kearney, etc.) - Kurt Bradley (Sterling Sound NYC)

"Ross Christopher...is spell-binding and his lyrics cultivate what you've always wanted to say but never could." - (CDstreet.com 2006)

"Songwriter and vocalist Ross Christopher sets himself apart from the ‘singer-songwriter’ sect with his fantastic electric violin playing... his violin injects vivrance into the acoustic strum and sincere vocals. Ross Christopher’s music excels...the infectious charisma...Be on the lookout."
- (RockKansas.com, 2003)

"Their sound is resonating" - (The Index 2005)

[in response to the self-titled, debut album "Ross Christopher"]

The album is whole and complete. You don't leave feeling short-changed or as if the band doesn't capture an element of music or emotion. Each song, independently unique, speaks something new to its listener. The album is a saving grace to today's bland modern sound. Ross Christopher clearly understands music, people, and emotion. Thus, he successfully wraps it all into his 10 track debut album. - (comomusic, 2003)

And so the quest continues to understand the difference between fiddle and violin. Ross Christopher clearly plays neither! He's a new breed of player, doing a new breed of sounds, to what I calculate as a new breed of audience. - (MidwestBands.com 2004)

"Ross Christopher and the Familiar Voice never fails to encourage me, and my passion for music...the lyrics always provoke thought along with the musical beauty."
- (BackstageComm, 2006)

Ok, this is big. Not big as in its going to sell 10 gazillion copies (probably not), but big as in artistically and musically unique, unusual and satisfying. Ross Christopher is not a name I'd heard before (nor likely have you); but this might just be one of the more eclectically exciting albums to grace the market in 2008. Ross Christopher's The River Child soars at times like Radiohead, rages like Spirit Of The West and has a bare emotional component similar to Ben Folds' recordings.

The River Child opens with Two, sounding like something Jay Semko might have dreamed. The River Child has an airy brilliance to it that is disturbing and wonderful all at once. Blinded My Eyes (Wasting) delivers an ethereal rock sound that skates the chasm between Radiohead and late Pink Floyd. Be sure to check out Little White Anger, which seethes in its own discordance. Other highlights include Whispering Lilies, Amazing Grace and Perfect Sound.

Ross Christopher marches to the beat of his own drummer, not managing to sound exactly like anyone in particular while giving definite nods along the way. The River Child is the sort of album that folks may look back on in several years as a watershed moment, but I have a feeling it may not get the attention it deserves because it is eclectic and brilliant and just too good to be recognized for what it is. This is a Wildy's World Certified Desert Island Disc without doubt. Whatever else you check out musically in 2008, make sure Ross Christopher is on the list. You'll thank me. You'll see.

Rating: 5 Stars (Out of 5)

Wildy's World PUBLICATIONS

You can learn more about Ross Christopher at http://www.rosschristopher.com/. The River Child is due for release in September/October 2008. Keep checking about at Ross Christopher’s website for more specific release info. - Wildy's World PUBLICATIONS