Chris Ferree

Inspired by his Cherokee heritage, North Carolina singer/songwriter Chris Ferree released his first Native American CD in 2007 titled “Invocation“. Influenced by Robert Mirabal, Bill Miller, and Mary Youngblood, among others. “Invocation” is rooted in the traditional, while balancing on the edges of world and classical.

A combination of strong traditional Native American flute, drums and percussion, fused with contemporary instruments and various ethnic sounds. The result was a ten song collection of diverse instrumentals that ranged from haunting and meditative to spontaneous and moving, reflecting the spiritual journey of a man looking into his past trying to find a way of understanding the present.

Chris’ second Native American offering “Overflow” is a spiritually charged outpouring intended to at once lift the spirit and calm the soul, a fusion of sounds and influences breathed in over the years and released like a flood, full of power and passion.

Drawing inspiration from historical events and the stories of yesterday joined with a hopeful vision of what tomorrow may bring. This nine song CD, six instrumental and three vocal, is an act of worship filled with resonating drums, stirring percussion, and soaring flute, cascading through lush strings and pads, with flourishes of piano and strumming guitar, creating an emotional and melodic atmosphere of sound.

In 2009 Chris released “Unbound“, his most eclectic CD to date. “Unbound” is a move closer into the world music genre, filled with signature flute, tribal rhythms, piano, and pads. The songs range from the experimental trance of “Skywalkers” to the more meditative spiritual sounds of “Earth Dance” and “Healing Tree“.

“Unbound” pushes the boundaries of the traditional, blending jazz, world, trance, and contemporary, bringing a familiar sound into the future. But if you listen closely you can hear echoes of the past and a deep admiration for the heritage from which this beautiful music was born.

"I hope you enjoy and embrace these songs as much as I hope they honor and respect the Principle People of this land, those who walked the red road long ago and those who long to walk it now."

Chris' fourth release "The Wind and The Fire" is a musical departure from his previous releases. The songs were written over several years and recorded in three different sessions with fellow musicians, Jeff Lynn Reid (formally with the east coast beach band, The Fantastic Shakers) and longtime friend and collaborator, Brad Hord.

This latest CD falls squarely into the contemporary Christian pop/rock genre. Filled with diverse musical arrangements, this fourteen song project has a little something for everyone, from the prophetic rocker that opens the CD titled "The Harvest" to the new country vibe of "Messenger" to the prayerful pop lullaby "Little Ones". The perfect combination of catchy music and powerful lyrics that will leave the listener moved and longing to seek his/her own spiritual journey.

In 2007, Chris signed with the Digital Distribution Label Nashville Noir out of Tennessee and in 2009 he signed with Spirit Wind Records/Raven Hawk Productions out of New York.

Invocation is currently on the top sellers list at CDBaby in the World and Native American categories. Chris' CDs have also been selected as editor's picks at CDBaby in the World and Native American categories. Songs from Invocation were selected as finalists for the 2008 Native American Music Awards in two categories.

What others have said...

"Chris is truly a master musician combining various instruments, rhythms and voice to accompany the traditional flute to create a uniquely beautiful collection of songs. The passion for his Cherokee heritage is deeply imbedded in each song, and that passion combined with his innate talent, makes for a powerful and thrilling listening experience. Whenever I listen to Chris music, the richness and clarity of the notes and those luscious melodies emanating from his flute take me on a journey to a place and time of beauty, peace and harmony. A great escape from every day stress and hustle." -Barbara Shining Woman Warren - Cherokee Storyteller

"Very, very nice music my friend! Your music stands up for itself! Most flute artists out there all sounds the same as the next, but, this is good stuff Chris Bravo! - Michael Searching Bear - NAMA award winning musician, performer and educator

Your music connects me to the nostalgia of a world of harmony and hope. I pray your music finds the hearts of many more people." -Cosmic Eagle

"The track list on "Unbound" takesus on a journey through time, past and future, meeting within the heartbeat of the drum and flute. Chris is of the Cherokee Nation and makes clear that Red Road for all to follow if only for the length of thisalbum. To those that are of Traditional Spirit, Chris and Brad have shared the wonderful teaching of hope for our future path in this musical world. They bring in piano beautifully. The production and instrumentation are exceptional, paving the road into contemporary and world music zones. The lyrics are strong yet gentle. Chris Ferree delivers the vocals in a direct path to your heart. Showing his amazing talent to capture and hold the listener's attention. He has managed to blend the mind, body and spirit and deliver you into this modern musical production. To the world, they have given thegift of inner peace. We are blessed, The Creator walks with these men, this music. Well done Chris and Brad! you have spoken well for us" (excerpt from a review for the CD "Unbound") - Shashona - Indie Showcase / Awesome Radio

"I am very impressed with the sounds. There is hearing in your notes. I can feel the spirit of the living God all over it. Beautiful... Your music is good medicine, my friend." Burner

"Words cannot express the beauty of "Overflow"! All of the tracks are lovely and most relaxing. There is a definite influence of Carlos Nakai here and music resonates at a very high level. I especially enjoy "Dance of the Blue Blanket;" it's as if the story unfolds as a natural visualization in the listener's mind." - Sharon Stellmach - Starfire Radio

"Chris my brother Your music is magnificent, it is divine... full of feelings and love!" - Ernest Trumpy - World Music artist and didgeridoo maker

"Wonderful music. Very moving We love including your music in our radio broadcasts" - Jon Nipp - Spirit Within New Age Radio

"I am amazed by your music, I was first trained as a classical musician as a child and know when music is exceptional. There is so much wisdom and beauty within it; "Walking the Red Road" has always been my way of life. Your music is evocative of those places, yet unique from any other Native music I've ever heard. Your words instill in me a sense of kindness, love and great peace. "Whisper In The Wind" is the most movingly eloquent song, evoking the oneness of All, living within the Creator's Love. With your music, you are creating an enduring body of work which will always bring peace and beauty into the lives of many. Thank you for this gift" - SingingSnow

My all time favorite flute song of all from everyone ? Medicine Bear! It's the BEST flute song on CD! - Neshoba - host of Native Voices Radio WAIF 88.3FM Cincinnati, OH

"Your music is awesome! This is what it must sound like when you go/get to the happy hunting grounds eh? Meegwitch" - Middle of the Sky Woman

"The music that you have made is wonderful and I appreciate the feelings that accompanies it. Your talents are being used for good and that makes a good feeling in my heart for you. I am deeply touched by your music and wish you much success."- Michael Strong Eagle

"I continue to be transformed by your awesome talent! The earth below looks beautiful from up here andyour music reaches my wingeddance in the clouds... you inspire me to inspire!!!" - Dove/Woya

http://www.myspace.com/chrisferree

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/ChrisFerree

http://chrisferree.com/