Christopher Rees

For the Plaid Cymru politician, see Chris Rees.

Christopher Rees (born 2 May 1973, Llanelli, South Wales, UK) is a musician, singer-songwriter, music producer.

Christopher Rees live at the Thekla, Bristol, in October 2006

Career

Rees started his music career by touring the United States in 1994, having developed his guitar playing and songwriting talents at Cardiff University.

Christopher Rees is a solo artist, singer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist, band leader, producer and record label director. He performs with a full band and in a solo capacity.

Christopher Rees released the 'Kiss Me Kill Me' EP via FFvinyl in 2001, receiving a Welsh Music Award nomination for 'Best Male Solo Act' two years running in 2002 and 2003, and made history by becoming the first act in over a decade to support former Velvet Underground legend John Cale during a 2001 UK tour.

He established the Red Eye Music label with fellow musician Dave Stapleton in 2003 and released his debut album 'The Sweetest Ache' in October 2004. Having worked with a seven piece band that included cello, violin, double bass, piano, guitars and drums, the album received widespread critical acclaim for its musical ambition and dramatic intensity.

In Oct 2004 he became the first act ever to perform at The Houses Of Parliament, Port Cullis House as part of Fergal Sharkey's Live Music Forum. The Sweetest Ache also earned him the title of Best Male Solo Artist at The Welsh Music Awards 2004.

His second album Alone on a Mountain Top (The Ty Bach Twt Sessions) was released in June 2005.

Recorded entirely alone over six days in a tiny 200-year-old cottage on the top of a mountain in Mid Wales, Alone on a Mountain Top was the polar opposite to the orchestral polish and drama of The Sweetest Ache. Drawing from the rustic traditions of Americana, country, delta blues, gospel and rock'n'roll, it became an unexpected success in the UK with major support from MOJO, UNCUT and Janice Long on BBC Radio 2 as well as opening the doors to international touring. The album garnered international distribution throughout Canada, Benelux and New Zealand where Rees toured solo with such fine American acts as Willard Grant Conspiracy, William Elliott Whitmore, The Deadstring Brothers, Mark Eitzel, Kelly Joe Phelps, Freakwater and more.

The third album by Christopher Rees 'Cautionary Tales' was released on 3 September 2007.

It features collaborations with female vocalists including a duet with American singer Victoria Williams as well as Becky Newman (The Hot Puppies) and French singer Charline Rose (Calexico, Giant Sand).

The album garnered widespread critical acclaim throughout the UK, and across Europe, major radio play on BBC Radio 2 (Janice Long, Steve Lamacq, Bob Harris). The single Bottom Dollar (Featuring Victoria Williams) hit Number 2 in the MOJO Playlist in October 2007 (Issue 167).

It also opened the door to some wider touring activities including high-profile appearances at The Green Man Festival, End of the Road Festival and supports slots with Richard Hawley and Texas Country legend Billy Joe Shaver.

Rees also showcased at international music festivals like North By North East in Toronto, Canada as well as the world-renowned South By South West Music Festival in Austin, Texas.

Christopher Rees released his fourth album 'Devil's Bridge' on 11 May 2009 to great critical acclaim. He was invited to tour nationwide with performers including Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses), The Handsome Family, Chuck Prophet, Steve Earle, Cherryholmes and The Sadies.

Christopher Rees released his 5th album'Heart on Fire' in May 2011. The album was partly recorded in Austin, Texas with The South Austin Horns.

Written and produced entirely by Rees, Heart on Fire has a more Soul, R&B, Rockabilly sound than previous recordings.

Christopher Rees released his 6th album, 'Stand Fast' on 18 February 2013. The album features the song 'Alright Squires' – a tribute to legendary Welsh singer Dorothy Squires.

His 7th album 'The Nashville Songs' was released 30 June 2017. It's an inspired collection of songs co-written with some of 'Music City's finest writers including Rick Brantley Mando Saenz Sandy Cherryholmes Vida Wakeman Amy Speace

Discography

Singles

• "Kiss Me Kill Me EP" (2001)
• "Bottom Dollar" (2007)
• "What Walks Outside My Window" (2009)
• "Sparks Flying" (2011)

Albums

• The Sweetest Ache (2004)
• Alone on a Mountain Top (The Tŷ Bach Twt Sessions) (2005)
• Cautionary Tales (2007)
• Devil's Bridge (2009)
• Heart on Fire (2011)
• Stand Fast (2013)
• The Nashville Songs (2017)

Awards

• 2004 – Best Male Solo Artist – Welsh Music Awards
• 2011 – MOJO Honours List – New Voice Award (Shortlist)