Bio and Press

I’m a Missouri boy that left the country for the big city when I was just a lad. Went searching for the man behind the curtain, instead I found the angels with dirty faces. I spent some years playing bass in a blues band and the blues remains a big influence. I tend to write about everyday kind of folks and the trials and tribulations of my own collection of strange days.  The Tourists vary from little old me to a 6 piece depending on the show- lately I’ve been touring as a duo or trio with 2 guitars and a bass.

When not on the road I enjoy the finer things in life- Camel Lights, Maxwell House and PBS. I have a love affair with vinyl records and Radioshack tape recorders, I never learned how to write in cursive and still use rabbit ears to get my three channels of TV in my little house next to the tracks. I am working on my next record here in Philly with my friend and fellow Tourist, Jay Davidson. I don’t have a title yet, not since I found out “Heavy Metal Be-Bop” was already spoken for.

The Tourists:

Chris Schutz – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keys
Steph Hayes – Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Eric Hoyer – Electric Lead Guitar
Justin DiFebbo – Hammond Organ, Keyboards
Ron DiSilvestro – Drums

“No matter what genre Schutz is tapping into, his dynamic voice sells you on the song- it’s damn near impossible to not sing the refrain on the choruses…”
-Adam Zeilinski, The Deli NYC

“Think Calexico singing Dylan…”
-Jordan Edwards, The Pitch

“Reminds you of a concert in a southern-set fairground. If you closed your eyes, you could’ve sworn that Roy Orbison was right here in Doylestown…”
-Ed Jorden, The Doylestown Patriot

“Schutz not only has talent on his side, but the spirit, knowledge and savvy to get him there”
-Fern Brodkin, The Phoenix

“Top flight indie rock”
-Savannah Now

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Chris Schutz is a self-taught songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and, as bandleader, an equally accomplished arranger of music.  He is a native of Kansas City, but has lived in Philadelphia for the past decade where he recorded his debut album, “Gemini“(on the Palindrome Sounds label). The album was produced with few edits or enhancements beyond use of the odd synth.  Old tube amps abound and inform the style that runs throughout the album.  Schutz and the album’s collaborators prefer the sound of live recording sound for a more open, intimate listening experience.  The result has the fluidity of pop music, yet is organic – filled with all the musical nuances of a live recording.  Analog records from the 1960s & 70s are recalled and reinterpreted – yet not quoted – on “Gemini.”

As an independent folk/ rock artist he counts the Mamas and the Papas, George Harrison and Roy Orbison among those that have informed him stylistically.  This is apparent in his sound and in his quixotic songwriting.  His tunes feel like complete compositions.  The veiled reality of his songwriting recalls another influence, William S. Burroughs, in his ability to distort, to build, to tell, a story.  Much of the record draws on Schutz’s experiences as a recovering addict, and the realizations – both light and dark – that can come through recovery.  He began his career as a teenager in the Midwest touring throughout the US with a successful blues group.  He maintains a strong, long-lasting relationship with that band, and classic blues remains an influence on the music he defines as “Alt-Americana.”

With the debut of his backing group The Tourists, Schutz brought together a select group of friends and  songwriters as players on “Gemini”.  This lends a different voice to the album, allowing the musical personalities of each artist to come through.  Working with co-producer (and Rolling Stones, Steve Winwood collaborator) Jay Davidson, the arrangements were fleshed out by Davidson’s own piano and saxophone on several tracks. Clearly the collaboration has been creative, and with the addition of strings and horns delivers a bigger sound.  While the songs on Gemini travel through many different styles and moods it is rare to deliver an album that is a cohesive yet varied piece of art.  Prior to this album, Chris has worked primarily as a soloist and session player, touring as an indie-folk singer-songwriter.  His own musical personality is a central stream throughout the record, and the overall harmony and relationship of the songs describe a journey to put life and music back together.

Chris Schutz & the Tourists’ Summer Tour 2009 marked the first full-band tour for the group, which included Eric Hoyer on electric guitar, Steph Hayes on bass and vocals, and Ron DiSilverstro on drums.  At select venues they were co-billed with friends The Threes from Kansas City, Missouri.

More information on Chris Schutz & the Tourists available at www.chrisschutz.com

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