Chris Bannister released his debut album ‘Only Human’ in 1992. Recorded in a small Liverpool studio and produced by Bob Galvin, the album combined country, folk and rock elements in it’s ten original songs. ‘Only Human’ immediately caught the attention of Bob Harris who was still with Radio One at the time and he regularly played the song ‘Wild Horses’ on his show.
In an era of downloads, iTunes and cheap CD production it’s hard to imagine how difficult it was 20 years ago to release an independent album, let alone get major airplay.
A single ‘We Were Children’ was released through BMG in 1993 and made the playlist at Radio 2.
Chris released a second, self produced album ‘Colours’ a few years later, featuring the live favourites ‘Washkamonya’ and ‘1964’.
He continued to play live, both with a band and solo, sometimes performing as many as 200 shows a year.
In 2001 Chris recorded an album at Revolution Studios in Cheshire. ‘October Already’ Was produced by Andy McPherson and Justin Richards and found him moving further in the country rock direction ‘Colours’ had hinted at. The beautiful, melancholy pedal steel work of Dave Rowlands made songs like ‘Another Lost Angel’ and ‘Little Victory’ instant favourites.
This year Chris again teamed up with producer Justin Richards at the Bakery Studio Cheshire to record his latest album ‘Don’t Forget Forgive’. The album is released on Libra Records on CD on March 5th 2012, it’s been a long break between records but Chris feels this is his strongest collection of songs to date.
Website: www.chrisbannistermusic.co.uk
Twitter: @ChrisBannisterA
