Hey All! Long time no update, on this site at least. I am having a blast writing my new album and I feel like I'm experiencing some real growth along the way, which I hope will translate to the finished product. With so much on at the moment I kinda wish I had a clone like in the Michael Keaton movie Duplicity so that I could get someone else to focus on the necessary and mundane whilst I focus on the fun stuff!
The plan for the rest of 2008 consists of some live shows featuring a red hot bunch of guys I've put together, and hopefully towards the end of the year the recording process of the new solo album, some lesson videos for youtube, and a website redesign in the midst of all that.
See my myspace blog to see the latest updates and I'll be sure to update here more often too!
Chris
Chris began writing for a new solo album in March and so far has 4 songs written. His progress was hindered by a faulty hard-drive which resulted in the loss of a few years worth of musical ideas. You can keep tabs on Chris' progress in the blog diary at his myspace page.
November 12, 2007 - Live photos
Live photos from Chris' recent gig with WAR MACHINE are now available in the photos section. For those who came to the gig, Chris thanks you. For those unable to attend - sorry! You missed a very fun one-off show!
October 17, 2007 - Catch Chris live
Sydneysiders - catch Chris live on November 6 at the Gaelic Theatre, Sydney. Chris will be helping out his friend Steve Paoli in the metal band "War Machine". The band will be playing a set of metal tunes and instrumentals so it should be fun. Chris says he's brushing up on his metal roots to perform tunes like Yngwie Malmsteen's "Rising Force"! The band hit the Gaelic stage at about 8:30pm
September 3, 2007 - New interview and video
Check out the new Chris Brooks jam and performance videos right here on the audio/video page. The latest one, "Kryptica", was the 73rd most-watched music video on it's first day with almost 1000 views! Thanks to all those people emailing and positingkind comments about the videos. Please spread them to everyone you know!
Also, we wanted to send out a HUGE thanks to our new host, Saratoga Hosting. We're blown away by the great pricing, quality of the hosting and the customer service.
September 3, 2007 - New interview and video
Chris recently did an interview with the InstruMentalCase.com website, in which he discusses his influences, development as a player and much more. Check it out here: http://instrumentalcase.com/ChrisBrooks.aspx
And for all those guys hungry for guitar videos, Chris uploaded the first of many videos he hopes to record for myspacetv and youtube. The first is a jam over a backing track written for Vinnie Moore to jam over for Guitar Techniques magazine a few years ago. Chris plans to record jams and video lessons to upload to the popular video sites over the next few months.
See Chris' myspace page at http://myspace.com/chrisbrooksmusic
and add him as a friend while you're there!
Aussies - vote for Chris in the MusicOz Awards (people's choice) and you might score a Maton Electric Guitar worth $1500!
The #1 Music Awards for Unsigned and Independent
artists
Celebrating seven successful years, the annual Musicoz Awards have been launched
for 2007 . The Musicoz Awards are the largest and most credible awards event for
unsigned and independent artists in Australia and have resulted in many major
success stories from previous winners including Porcelain, Bliss n Esso, Sender,
Anthony Snape, Sick Puppies, The Fumes, Felicity Urquhart and Blue King Brown.
The Musicoz awards give vital recognition, exposure and development opportunities to Australian artists who are finalists and winners at this event. Artists are selected and judged by some of the music industries finest from major labels, independent labels, booking agents, artist managers and record producers. Artists successfully entered into these awards have the opportunity to secure a recording deal, advertising packages, National TV performance, publishing & production deals and more.
Vote for Chris to Win yourself a guitar!
Chris Brooks is an entrant in the Instrumental Music category. Support Chris and
send a clear message to the industry that instrumental rock music has a
following in this country! View Chris' page at the MusicOz website HERE.
To vote for Chris, SMS the code chri1 (that's the letters c h r i and the number 1) and then a brief reason why you think Chris should win (in 10 words or less) e.g.: "chri1 he rocks my world" to 19708000 to register your vote.
The most creative answer will win a Maton Electric Guitar valued at $1,500. The artist with the most votes will win the People's Choice National Musicoz Award for 2007. Voting is reflected in the Musicoz Top 10 Charts.
GET VOTING NOW and please repost this bulletin to
all your friends! SMS "chri1" to 19708000
Chris has recorded two guest solos for Aussie metal band LORD on their new album Ascendence! A smorgasbord of power metal, melodic rock and traditional metal styles, Ascendence "was a fun album to guest on" says Chris. "I had fun laying down those solos and the songs turned out great".
The album comes out in Japan on August 22 through Soundholic Records, and in Australia late August through Modern Invasion Music. Chris is featured on the tracks "Rain" and "Through the Fire".
 |
LORD is the band that arose from the ashes of Dungeon, arguably Australia's biggest heavy metal band at the time until its dissolution in late 2005.
Originally a side-project for mainman "Lord Tim", LORD is now a
fully-fledged band that draws on the legacy of Dungeon's 16 year history of
countless tours with bands such as Megadeth, Opeth, Nightwish, Edguy, Angra,
Doro, Destruction and more, already adding their own high profile tours with
bands such as Queensryche, Nevermore, Gamma Ray and Leaves Eyes. (Source:
lord.net.au)
Buy either "The Master Plan" or "The Alchemists II" CDs from the Chris Brooks store
www.chrisbrooks.net/order.html (fully secure, driven by PayPal) and get a
FREE set of electric guitar strings!
Please specify guage when ordering (9s, 9-46, 10s, 10-52, 11s, 12s)
Offer valid for orders received within the next seven days. You must specify your guage to receive strings with your order. This is how we know you're responding to this offer!
Need more convincing? Read reviews of the music at http://chrisbrooks.net/press.html
April 11, 2007
The Alchemists II and The Master Plan have been back in stock for a month now and are selling well! Hve you told your friends? I could always use a new supporter!
I have been talking to a few musicians about forming a new live band to play some instrumental gigs once every month or so. If you're a drummer or keyboardist and have your chops way down, your feel at the forefront of your style and are willing to do challenging, fun, and poorly paid (if at all!) gigs with me, I'd love to have you on board for gigs and post-gig pizza. Get in touch now! I've got 2nd guitar and bass covered so no more emails about those please.
Chris
January 11, 2007 - "The Alchemists II" compilation album
It's finally on it's way - The Alchemists II!
Liquid Note Records (UK) presents 15 tracks and over 75 mins of guitar bliss, covering every mood from metal to fusion, blues to avant garde, acoustic to dance, all on one exciting CD. Each track features two guitarists, from the renowned to the best of the new breed.
Chris Brooks wrote and performed the album's opening track "Unruly Elements" which also features Joe Chawki on 2nd lead guitar. The full track listing is as follows:
1. Unruly Elements - Chris Brooks ft. Joe Chawki (hear a sample)
2. One Legged Chicken - Pascal Vigné ft. Christophe Godin
3. Threehunderdpointtwentyone - Terry Syrek ft. Bumblefoot
4. Under The Influence - Richard Hallebeek & Antti Kotikoski
5. Space Antz - Carlos Creator ft. Robert Rodrigo
6. Stratosphere - William Stravato ft. Brett Garsed
7. At Last - Stefan Rosqvist ft. Bo Eriksson
8. The Puffball That Ate My Village - Phi Yaan-Zek ft. Chanan Hanspal
9. Last Minute Call/The Saviour - Milan Polak & Marco Sfogli
10. Fumble Fingers - Dave Martone & Chris Buono
11. Tango Schizophrenia - Si Hayden ft. Michael Berk
12. Warp Drive - Gianluca Ferro ft. Scott McGill
13. In The Beginning - Sven Stichter ft. Thorsten Koenhe
14. Butterfly/Free Love/Fruit Frenzy - Geoff Tyson ft. Doug Doppler
15. Georgia In My Heart - Dr Ika & Temur Kvitelashvili
The album is in pressing now and should be back at LNR by Jan 19th. PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW HERE AT www.chrisbrooks.net .
We are also taking pre-orders on the next pressing of Chris' popular solo album "The Master Plan", which is finally going to be back in production.
Chris
August 20 - Leaving Feeding The Addiction
After three years of playing guitarist, arranger, occasional song writer, musical director, demo producer, booking agent, newsletter writer, press hustler and email answerer for the band Feeding The Addiction, I decided that it was time to move on from the band. I informed singer Gustav on Thurs Aug 17.
A few incidents that I will not disclose in detail have eaten up my interest and enjoyment levels for being a part of the band over the last few months. These incidents have made it hard to enjoy things on a musical level, which I probably would have otherwise. The band have been working in a new rhythm section which was sounding very promising.
Thanks to anyone who came out and saw me play whilst gigging with the band. I've always appreciated your support.
Chris
April 16 - Small updates
Chris' new song featuring Joe Chawki for the compilation album "Alchemists II" has been named "Unruly Elements". Look for a sample on the site soon.
The Hungarian prog band "Age of Nemesis" have inked a deal with Magna Carta records, so there's a chance that the song Chris recorded with them 2 years ago will see the light of day at some point!
"The Master Plan" is (sadly) currently out of stock due to funding issues. While the album has gone through several pressings since it's release, Chris is unable to afford new pressing costs at the present time. If any labels are interested in financing a re-release of the album, perhaps with added material and new packaging, we'd be interested in hearing from you. Please contact us.
April 8 - Mindawn offers Chris Brooks music in digital form
Mindawn is a digital music service with a difference. Rather than using inferior MP3s, Mindawn offers singles and albums in Ogg Vorbis and FLAC format. FLAC in particular is a high quality format that is easily converted to WAV file for CD burning, with no hassles when it comes to digital rights management.
Chris Brooks music is now available at Mindawn from $0.99 for single songs, and $6.99 for albums. Follow the link below to find out more.
February 12 - New track set for release this year
Chris is currently putting the final touches on a track for the compilation "Alchemists II" which will be released some time this year. The piece is a solid rocker with what Chris describes as "some cool changes to solo over", and features some guest lead guitar by a young guitarist named Joe Chawki. Chris is laying down the final solos before mixdown.
December 20 - Chris in and out of hospital
Chris was taken to hospital on Monday December 12 after a gallbladder attack even worse than the one he had in August. The doctors tried 3 days of antibiotics and painkillers to try to calm down the wayward organ enough to operate in the new year, but it had to be removed on Friday instead. Chris was released from hospital yesterday and is in good spirits despite some pain. He will most likely spend the next week watching DVDs, reading and listening to CDs!
From Chris and his little team, we wish you a Merry Christmas and successful
and happy 2006!
December 1 - ProgPower Oz festival 2006 cancelled
The ProgPower festival for 2006 has been cancelled. Chris received no
official explanation as to why the event will no longer take place, but it seems
like financial constraints may have played a part.
October 8 - New show: Saturday afternoon rock!
I'll be doing a Saturday afternoon show with Feeding The Addiction next Saturday the 15th. Details below:
- When: Saturday October 15, 3:30pm
- Where: The Harp Irish
pub, 900 Princes Hwy Tempe NSW 2044 (link)
Other rock and metal bands on all day and night.
My new Mesa Recto
cabinet is sounding superb! Come and hear it at the next show.
Before I go, have to give a shout out to Cameron Harris, who drove 4 hours each
way to see the band play at "The Vic" on Thursday! When someone
does that you can't help but wanna play well!
I might have a new site design soon. Time for a change after 3 years!
Chris
September 28, 2005 - Mesa Boogie endorsement deal
I am thrilled to announce an endorsement deal with Mesa/Boogie's Australian agent, Pro Audio. Huge thanks goes to the friendly Pro Audio team and Lawrence Gambale. I had the pleasure of visiting their Canberra store this week and to be able to say that I'm getting some support form the products I support is a blessing to me.
Chris
PS, Don't forget the upcoming gigs, see below... :)
September 20, 2005 - 3 new gigs announced!
Chris has 3 more Sydney shows with Feeding The Addiction in full band mode for the next 3 Thursdays...
- When: Thursday September 22nd, 10:30pm
- Where: The Harp Irish pub, 900 Princes Hwy Tempe NSW 2044 (link)
- When: Thursday September 29th, 10:30pm
- Where: The Cat & Fiddle Hotel, 456 Darling St Balmain (link)
- When: Thursday October 6th, 10:30pm
- Where: Vic On The Park, 2 Addison Rd Marrickville (link)
Come on down cause the guys really appreciate your support!
September 4, 2005 - New gig this Thursday!
Chris will be playing live with Feeding The Addiction in full band mode this Thursday, September 8th. Read on...
When: Thursday, September 8th, 10:00pm
Where: The Cat & Fiddle hotel, 456 Darling St Balmain NSW
Diem Brooks will once again be joining the band on bass. Don't miss it!
August 18, 2005 - New show tomorrow
Chris has just announced that a new "Feeding The Addiction - in acoustic mode" will take place tomorrow. Details are as follows:
When: Friday August 19, 8:45pm
Where: Excelsior Hotel Glebe - 101 Bridge Rd Glebe
Photos of the band's Cat & Fiddle show can now be seen at the Feeding The Addiction site.
August 11, 2005 - Thanks!
Hi folks,
Want to send a special thanks to the small but supportive crowd who showed up at my gig with Feeding The Addiction on Tuesday. Some folks travelled hours to be there and I'm blessed by their support. Diem Brooks just ruled on the bass so the whole band is grateful for his bass work at the gig.
I nearly never made it there, as 12 hours before the gig I was in a hospital after being taken there by an ambulance for intense stomach pain, which turned out to be in the gallbladder. I'm feeling a bit better now and I was really just happy to be able to go an play for whoever showed up. I put up with the crap in my day so that at the end of it I can get up and play a guitar!
More shows to be announced soon!
Chris
July 29, 2005 - Feeding The Addiction shows
Chris will be playing 3 shows in the next couple of weeks as part of Feeding The Addiction, one in full band mode and two in acoustic mode with vocalist Gustav Hoffmann. The acoustic mode shows present the band's rock songs through unique arrangements with acoustic guitar, lead and backing vocals. The dates and venues are as follows:
Thursday August 4 - West Ryde Hotel, Victoria Rd West Ryde
Acts from 8pm, FTA on at 9pm in acoustic mode
Tuesday August 9 - Cat & Fiddle Hotel, 456 Darling St Balmain
Acts from 8pm, FTA on at 10pm in full band mode
Tuesday August 16 - Kelly's on King, King St Newtown
Acts from 8pm, FTA on at 10pm in acoustic mode
In Chris Brooks solo stuff news, Chris was recently invited to contribute a track to the upcoming instrumental compilation album "The Alchemists II". Chris will be submitting a couple of songs to Liquid Note Records to let them choose the best one for the album.
cb webmaster
June 5, 2005 - Feeding The Addiction demo, and update
Chris has been playing live with the Sydney-based melodic rock band Feeding The Addiction. A recent gig was filmed and recorded for promotional purposes.
The band's 4-song demo is available for purchase in our order section for just $3.99 + postage. This is not a prog or instrumental release, so make sure you listen to the sound samples at www.feedingtheaddiction.com before ordering! The demo was recorded in Sydney's Damien Gerard studios but also features some additional engineering and mastering from Chris.
cb webmaster
April 18, 2005 - Press correction: Jemfest
Greetings,
Just wanted to post a quick update to say that I haven't
dropped off the face of the earth! Some very personal trials have kept new
solo music on the backburner, but Feeding
The Addiction is coming along splendidly and sounding better with
every rehearsal. We will be gigging regularly from May onwards.
Dates will be posted when they are locked in, and when the
"feeding..." site is launched I'll give a run down of what the band is
all about and provide some studio and live samples. See you then!
Chris
February
16, 2005 - Press correction: Jemfest
Hi All,
I've had some calls and emails from people who saw a report in Australian Guitar magazine that I will be playing at the first Australian Jemfest, proposed for some time this year. Despite the report, I will not be taking part in the event. I found out about the possibility of an Oz Jemfest in March 2004, and I sent an email and my CD to the organizer with a view to discussing getting on the bill, but when I was asked a couple of weeks if I was still interested, I couldn't commit for a few reasons. None of my reasons are a reflection of the Australian Jemfest organizers. I wish the best of luck to all involved.
Chris
October 13, 2004 - Chris featured in new book (Japan)
Japan's Shinko Music
publishing (makers of "Young Guitar" and "BURRN!" magazines)
have just released a new music buyers guide called DISK GUIDE SERIES ：TECHNICAL GUITAR by
Jun Kawai. The book lists 600 albums featuring "technical
guitar" including works by the masters Vai, Malmsteen, MacAlpine, Moore,
Morse and many more. Chris' debut album "The Master Plan" is
included in the book, and Chris was proud to be included!cb webmaster
July 5, 2004 - thanks!
Much thanks to those who came down to my gig at the Woolly last night. I had fun even if the gear screwed up a little and put me off my game a little! Watch out for the next one because they will need a lot of helping putting the roof back on after we blow it off!
CB
July 1, 2004 - Gig this Sunday
Chris will be appearing with Ben Finn and friends at the Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel this Sunday from approximately 5:30pm - 8:00pm, playing covers ranging from old and new rock and pop, some Aussie classics, and maybe a few where Chris can burn. In Chris' words, "If you want to see/hear me ear-play my way through 3 sets of songs I've either never heard, or heard but never played, this is your chance, haha! This is just me jamming with some friends and having fun with it. Falling on my ass in a few spots is a given! :) "
"The Woolly" is located right on the bay on Bourke Street Woolloomooloo. Come up and say hi to Chris between sets!
cb webmaster
If any of you Sydney sider
guitar masters are interested in a teaching gig, I'd like to hear from you. The
store/school I have a role in at Castle Hill is looking to for new responsible,
reliable and preferably experienced guitar teachers for Mondays, Tuesdays and
Thursdays (you need to be available for at least 2 of these days from 3 - 8pm).
The teaching itself is not that hard - mostly beginner and intermediate
contemporary stuff and maybe the odd old guy who wants to learn John Denver and
Dire Straits - but being a good reliable person is the best quality you can
have. If you're interested, PM or email me.
CB
June
25, 2004 - Updates
Hey all,
I have a few new instrumental songs written and demo-ed, which may actually end up on a guitar instrumental compilation as opposed to a new Chris Brooks album. My thinking is that with various projects up in the air, this may let me give you something new until there's time for a whole CD. I'll keep you updated on that.
Feeding The Addiction are about to go and do final mixes and mastering on some recent recordings.
I've been doing a few Sunday night gigs in Sydney as a guest with my friend Ben Finn. Despite the simplicity of the music (4 chord cover songs - some of which I've actually heard before, haha), it's been a fun challenge because I don't learn the songs - I just get up there, follow the changes whilst doing my thing, and take a solo when Ben tells me to take a solo! (And sometimes I stop when he tells me to stop!). You really can learn to be a better player no matter what you play or who you play it with.
I don't know if I have any more guest spots with Ben coming up but I'll mention it if I get asked back.
Chris
May 6, 2004 - Feeding The Addiction
Chris is now hard at work in the studio with his melodic rock side project "Feeding the Addiction". FtA makes contemporary melodic rock and features the talents of Chris (guitars, backing vocals), Gustav Hoffmann (lead vocals, keyboards), and Mark Stockton (bass, backing vocals), with the recording line-up being completed with the use of a session drummer.
The current studio work consists of 4 songs which will be shopped to the industry by the band's management team. The recording is taking place at Damien Gerard studios. Chris bought himself a new PRS Custom 24 guitar for the occasion, which according to Chris sounds "massive, but smooth like melted butter on toast!".
Chris will finish his parts of the demo recording tomorrow, and vocals, keys and mixing/mastering will follow.
After that the band will be doing some showcases gigs a couple of months down the track, and Chris has also mentioned the possibility of doing some solo gigs with a full live band. More on that later!
cb webmaster
January 2, 2004 - Happy New Year
Happy new year to everyone that has supported, inspired and encouraged me in 2003!!! I WILL deliver some new music to you this year!!!
December
8 - live appearance
Chris will be performing a live set on Saturday December 13 at Castle Hill in
Sydney's western suburbs. The 30-40 minute set beginning at 12:45 is part
of the outdoor open day at Maxx Music where Chris teaches regularly. The
open day, which starts at 10:30am, is a family event which will feature (besides
Chris) other teachers from the music school, some local singers/songwriters as
well as a student concert. There will be a sausage sizzle, jumping castle
for the kids, tea, coffee and snacks, plus free beer from 3:00pm onwards.
Chris will be performing songs from "The Master Plan", a cover or two
and an original that has never been released or performed live previously.
Here are the details of Chris' performance:
Where: Maxx Music - 4/3 Packard Avenue, Castle Hill. Ph: 02 9894
0000, email maxxmusic@bigpond.com
When: Chris is due to perform at 12:45pm
See you there.
cb webmaster
October
25 - updates
Hi Everyone. It's been a while between updates so I just wanted to check in so you know I'm alive and well and hard at work as usual.
The next solo album - not a lot to report unfortunately. Time has not been forthcoming to spend time writing for the next solo album, though a few things have been decided. The album will have at least one and possibly two vocal tracks (not with me singing!), and there will be some bonus tracks (possibly live recordings) for CDs bought through this site.
Side project - the melodic rock band has management, and some opportunities in the works. This is not my baby so I can't say a lot at this stage other than it's a lot of fun so far.
Guest appearances - One in the can for a Finnish metal project called "Runeland", and a few coming up - more news when they're done.
Other stuff - the site is being redesigned and I'm looking for someone willing to help the web update person with quality graphics at (very) reasonable rates. The current design is my own but I'm short on time to do a new one. Drop me a line if you can help.
Chris
June 17 - Drummer needed ASAP for melodic rock project
I've recently taken on guitar duties in a melodic rock band based in Sydney (well, the western suburbs mostly). This is a completely different project from my next solo album.
The founder of the band is signed to a major label for publishing and has major record label interest. The band is planning to do showcases for labels in a few months, but a committed and talented drummer is needed to complete the line-up. Long-term outlook is preferred and more beneficial to you if we get signed, but if you're a talented drummer in Sydney or the western suburbs with chops, groove and taste and can help us with showcases and warm up shows at least, contact me at whatever@chrisbrooks.net.
The other guys in the band are talented and great people to work with. If working with them or me interests you and you have the drive and professionalism we need, please drop me a line, like now! Double kick is a must for some sections of the songs. Some experience in odd time would help too.
Chris
May 22 - Metal Hammer coverage
The Greek edition of Metal Hammer magazine has a small feature on Chris in the "Thinking man's metal" section in the May 2003 issue. Chris wishes to thank the guys for the support and for sending us the issue.
cb webmaster
January 27, 2003 - TMP in end of year Poll + new lesson
Canadian (Ottawa) radio station 89.1's progressive metal show "La Villa Strangiato" has included "The Master Plan" in it's "TOP 15 PROG ALBUMS of 2002" list, which reads as follows:
1. Planet X - Moonbabies (USA)
2. Symphony X - The Odyssey (USA)
3. Pain of Salvation - Remedy Lane (Sweden)
4. Chris Brooks - The Master Plan (Australia)
5. Gerard - Sighs of the Water (Japan)
6. Kaipa - Notes from the Past (Sweden)
7. Dream Theater - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (USA)
8. Cyril Achard - Confusion (France)
9. Grand Stand - Tricks of Time (Sweden)
10. The Flower Kings - Unfold the Future (Sweden)
11. Threshold - Critical Mass (UK)
12. Opeth - Deliverance (Sweden)
13. Spock's Beard - Snow (USA)
14. Deep Thought - Somewhere in the Dark (Switzerland)
15. Camel - A Nod and a Wink (UK)
And for the guitar players out there, Chris has written a new lesson for the Guitar Nine Records site, complete with audio examples. Click below to check it out.
Modal Pentatonics Lesson
cb webmaster
January 25, 2003 - thanks to an unknown supporter!
Hello All,
I'm always appreciative when people not only support my music, but then email me to say they enjoyed it. It's great to have contact with my friends out there, but not always possible due to the sales that come from other places like Guitar Nine Records etc.
Below is a review which really blew me away, from a supporter I unfortunately have not been able to thank personally since they bought the album at Guitar9. So, to the person that wrote this review on the Guitar9 "Word of mouth" section, I sincerely thank you!!
Chris
"Still, even in this day and age, I am constantly surprised at just how many really GOOD guitarists there are out there! I discovered Chris Brooks while browsing the Guitar 9 Listening Room. From listening to the RA sound clips, I knew that I had stumbled across something very special. I promptly ordered the CD...and here's my two cents worth: Chris Brooks is an amazing musician...and stellar guitarist. The music on "The Master Plan" is everything that I hoped it would be...and much more. The depth and maturity showcased in the songwriting was immediately evident. Mr. Brooks appears to be a guitarist who has a great love for the instrument...as the entire CD is filled to the brim with incendiary guitar...brilliant lines, hypnotic... intriguing rhythms... and great production.
Chris's approach to guitar is just the kind of thing that I like to hear...and he is every bit as good a musician as some of the better known guitar "legends". His style is at once familiar...and yet...somehow...quite original. Yes, I've heard what he's doing before...but VERY FEW players can pull it all together nearly this well. His guitar tone is the kind of "sound" that just sticks with you. As I'm writing this review, it's been three days since I last listened to the disc...and I can still hear the guitar...the music...in my head (and I'm not completely insane!...er...not yet, anyway!).
Chris is definitely a virtuoso caliber player...but has the kind of sensibility that makes the music accessible to anyone. This CD has a rare quality...all of the songs are equally "great"...and it's nearly impossible for me to pick one out above the rest (and each song sounds distinctly different from it's neighbors). Frankly, it's hard for me to compare Chris's music and playing to any other player.
In some regards, I hear Petrucci...and maybe some Vai...and possibly some Schenker...but never enough to convince me that he studied any one guitarist long enough for anything to dominate his playing to the extent where I could say, "Gee...he sounds like Eddie...or Randy". That, perhaps, is part of what makes this disc such a great listen. I could go on and on about how great this disc is...but that might not help you...so, let me say that if you like Satriani, Petrucci, Steve Vai...progressive rock/metal...this is a great CD for you.
This also brings me to an important aspect of this experience. I bought this CD from Guitar 9. Without this site, I probably never would have discovered Chris Brooks (and many other incredible musicians). Once again, Dan and Co. have done me (and you) a serious "solid". This site is, bar none, the best thing on the internet. As a store, it is nothing less than "perfect"...the prices are very fair and the service is truly exceptional. While I give "The Master Plan" a rating of "10-Great", I give Guitar 9 a rating of "11 Exceptionally Phenomenal". " iamdastook
January 3, 2003 - looking ahead
I wish to extend to you all my heartfelt gratitude for the greatest year of my life professionally in 2002! The response to my debut CD was outstanding, surprising, and above all very satisfying to have my music understood, appreciated, loved and supported by you. Thank you! I hope that 2002 was great for you all, and I have the same hope that 2003 will being you success and happiness in whatever you do!
2003 will be another busy year for me, just the way I like it. During the first half of the year I will begin writing and recording my second solo album which will be a very band-oriented album, building on the sounds and styles of "The Master Plan", but with a few twists and perhaps some special guests! I will endeavor to have this album blasting through your speakers in the 3rd quarter of the year. I appreciate all the email asking about new music, and hope to fulfill your hopes for my next release.
The first half of the year may see a few guest appearances materialize that have been discussed, and as always I will keep you updated on my travels here at the site. Thanks again and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Your Musically,
Chris
December 7 - No.1 on the chart! & the review on "TMP"!
No.1 on the top sellers chart of the prog artists at G9!
Chris' CD "The Master Plan" reached No.1 on the top sellers list in the prog artists CD chart at Guitar Nine records this month!! Although the album has been a mainstay in the "most popular" chart since it's release, this was the first time to top the best sellers chart! Congratulations to Chris, and a huge thanks to all his supporters helping take the album from strength to strength! And as always, Chris wishes to thank you all for the positive comments you send by email. It's all appreciated!
The review on "TMP"
Swedish writer Janne Stark, who released the well-known book "The Encyclopedia of Swedish HR/HM", reviewed Chris' "The Master Plan" at the Sweden Rock Magazine website and he gave a very nice review! Here is a translation...
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"2002 seems to have been a renaissance for guitar oriented albums. A bunch has been released. Fact is that, even if in the 80s guitar masturbatory wave it became unbearable, some more polished works see the light of day nowadays.
The Australian Chris Brooks is definitely one of the few who has made a good album from the listeners point of view. Chris has blindingly good technique and a nice tone, but he can, most importantly, write good and varying songs. The two first songs "Kryptica" and "Inner Light" both makes one think of Vinnie Moore and his more melodic and intricate way of writing songs. But also Chris' leads bear some traces of Mr. Moore's tone. "Crack In The Hourglass" starts out with fast prog licks and soloing more reminiscent of Dream Theater. In this song we hear lots of unison guitar/keys, which makes it feel less guitar oriented. "Crack In The Mirror" also offers a lot of fun musical surprises and weirdness which makes it a pleasure to listen to. "Blue Sky Odyssey" starts out with some tranquil piano playing and evolves into a very nice ballad, where Chris shows he can master both emotional soloing and the acoustic equivalent. "Funksion" shows a whole other side with its slightly funky rhythm and more fusion oriented sound. "Master Plan Suite" is split into three parts and starts off with the piano intro "Theme For The Next World". "Axiom" is more to the before mentioned Vinnie Moore territory with all sorts of cool riffs and turns. The third part "The Master Plan" again shows Chris' more progressive side with, on one hand quicker electric playing and heavy riffs and on the other hand brittle acoustic guitar. This is an album I definitely recommend to any guitar lover who’s grown tired of wankers with nothing to say. Chris definitely has something to say!
Janne Stark"
[Translated from Swedish]
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cb webmaster
December
2 - Frontiers Records' CD sampler Rock
The Bones
Frontiers
are releasing a 2-CD sampler of their catalog of artists titled "Rock The
Bones", on which disc 2 - contains "Fly" from Mark Boals' "Edge Of The
World"! Chris wrote the music
and played all guitars on the song.
Also, Chris' CD "The Master Plan" has appeared in the Japanese magazine "Heavy Metal Forces" Vol.6.
cb webmaster
November
21 - Mark's "Edge of the World" update!
The Mark Boals album "Edge Of The World" that features Chris' song "Fly" (written with Mark) was released by Frontiers Records on November 11.
Mark has being interviewed by many magazines and websites since his album was out and he has also spoken about Chris in those interviews, so keep an eye on magazines in your area!
cb webmaster
October 20 - BURRN! coverage
Mark Boals appears in the latest issue of BURRN! magazine in Japan, in an interview about his new solo album "Edge Of The World", in which he also dicusses Chris and "The Master Plan". BURRN! also reviewed EOTW, giving it a score of 83%!
The current issue has an ad for "Edge Of The World" which you can view by clicking here.
Chris reports that regretfully, the second song he wrote with Mark will not appear on the European version as planned. The ballad co-written by Boals/Brooks was suppose to replace the Boals/MacAlpine-penned "Too Late" on pressings outside of Japan. Unfortunately, the label in Europe (Frontiers) would not wait for the completed track as they had already started their promotion for the album.
cb webmaster
October 17 - Radio Airplay in Japan!
"Fly", the song that I wrote with Mark Boals for his "Edge Of The World" album is getting radio airplay in Japan! A few fans from the Far East have emailed me to say they love the song. Thanks for your kind words! I love hearing from you, so keep the messages coming!
Here's an audio sample of the song from Mark's site. The sample doesn't have the solo, but I might add that to this site in the near future.
"The Master Plan" is still going strong, and for that I sincerely thank you! Regarding the support team, it's currently under revision but may be back soon, time permitting.
I did an interview recently for the "Rising Stars" section of the "Get ready to rock" website. Take a look here.
Chris
October 1 - Edge of the World update
The Mark Boals album "Edge Of The World" that features my song "Fly" (written with Mark), will be released outside of Japan by Frontiers Records on November 11 according to Frontiers.
Demented Dave at Dementia Radio has nominated ChrisBrooks.net as his kickass site of the week. Thanks Dave!
Chris
September 21 - Guitar Nine Records news
"The Master Plan" has once again topped the Guitar Nine Records "Most Popular" charts after bouncing around the top 20 for the last few months.
Guitar Nine are currently out of stock of the album but should receive new stock any day now.
For those looking forward to the Mark Boals album "Edge Of The World" that Chris guests on, Japanese online retailer CD Japan are taking preorders for the Japanese pressing of the album which will be released in Japan on October 23.
cb webmaster
September 6 - Chris on new Mark Boals album!
We're happy to announce that Chris is appearing on the next solo album by vocalist extraordinaire Mark Boals (ex Yngwie, Ring Of Fire, Billionaire Boys Club)! Chris was asked earlier in the year to write and play on a couple of songs after Boals heard "The Master Plan". Chris wrote and recorded two songs for Mark's album (entitled "Edge Of The World") - a prog tinged rocker and a lovely ballad. The heavier song, we're told, turned out so well it was selected to be the album's opening song! The ballad, which was completed late, will not appear on the Japanese version of the album but may appear on a pressing in other territories as the track list varies.
Other musicians contributing to the album include Tony Mac Alpine, Virgil Donati, Vinny Appice, Erik Norlander and Mark himself on bass and additional guitars. The album will be released in Japan first on October 23 (on Marquee / Avalon), and later in other countries. Chris says he was honored to be invited to play on the album, and to share CD space with such a talented groups of musicians!
cb webmaster
August 25 - Album updates and mystery project
A project I've made vague references to in the past will be unveiled within the first week of September, after an official announcement has been made. Basically, I received an offer from a great artist from the US (whom many of you might know of) to write and play guitar on a couple of songs for their next album, at which I was/am thrilled about just to be asked, and even happier to accept. The album features a great team of known musicians, and me :). Sorry for the tease. The beans will be spilled soon, okay!
"The Master Plan" is about to go into another pressing, this time branded under my new label name Progmatic Music (Australian Business Number 85 885 732 513). Distribution or Licensing possibilities are being explored in various territories, but in the meantime, Progmatic Music, based here in Sydney, will continue distribution to online and "bricks and mortar" retailers overseas directly until a better arrangement comes along ;) If there's a retailer in your area that you think should be stocking "The Master Plan" (and lets' face it - all retailers should be, LOL!), or a label or distributor in your country that would do well with my music, feel free to drop them a line and send them here.
Chris
July 20 - Request Chris Brooks Music at Progged Radio!
Progged Radio is now able to take your requests for Chris Brooks Music for their internet broadcasts. Requesting is simple - just follow this link, go down to the Chris Brooks section, and click on the song you wish to request. Easy! We recommend requesting songs like Kryptica, The Master Plan, and Crack In The Hourglass to get the point across about the album's style, but all 10 songs (including the hidden track tagged into "tales from a distant sky") are there. Let's get some airplay!
Progged Radio
cb webmaster
July 7 - BURRN! feature
Chris is featured in the August issue of Japan's mightiest metal magazine BURRN! (now on sale), in the unsigned artist section. Describing Chris' music as "invigorated", the influential magazine rated "The Master Plan" a commendable 4 out of 5 stars!
June 28 - New review
Stephanie Sollow at ProgressiveWorld.net has just posted a review of "The Master Plan". Here's a quote from the review:
"Brooks' debut is a winner. If you like guitar rock with a metallic edge, then, like me, you'll like this release. One suspects that with a few more albums under his belt, we'll be adding Brooks' name to the "guitar god" pantheon."
Internet Radio Digital Dementia has been re-launched as a full 24 hour broadcast, and now features a forum and live chat in its brand new website. DD has been a great supporter of Chris' Music so we wish them well.
In the coming weeks we hope to make an announcement about an upcoming project Chris is involved in, and some info on some efforts to make "The Master Plan" even more readily available.
June 3 - Win a guitar lesson with Chris Brooks!
June special, only available here at ChrisBrooks.net! Ordering "The Master Plan" this month will put you in the draw for a free 1 hour lesson guitar lesson from Chris, or a personalized lesson by email for those outside of Sydney Australia! Click here for for details.
cb webmaster
June 1 - Progress report
Hello everyone.
Just a quick update on what's happening with "The Master Plan". It's still going strong at Guitar Nine Records, where it hasn't moved from the top 2 of the "most popular" chart since it's release! Japan is doing great things too with the album in stock in over a dozen stores there now. Arigato to the Japanese supporters!
The online store at Metal Ages now has TMP in stock too. Check 'em out.
Finally, great guitarist Jon Finn sent some really positive comments on the album, and has given me permission to reprint them for promotional purposes...
"one of the strongest works I've heard in years!!!! The playing was really strong throughout. I love the tone but the writing just blew my socks clean off!"
Thanks Jon and to everyone sending in your feedback and spreading the word on message boards and emails etc!
Chris
May 10 - Thanks + upcoming projects
Thanks to the folks that came out to see me play at the clinic on Tuesday night at Castle Hill. I had an absolute blast and could have done it all over again! Also, thanks to those who purchased "The Master Plan" on the night. I hope you're enjoying it. For those who missed the clinic, the songs played were Kryptica, In a Jam (funk-rock improv), Blue Sky Odyssey, Crack In The Hourglass, Tales from a Distant Sky, and a little Minor Blues jam to end things off.
Aside from dealing with the promotion of "The Master Plan", I've been asked by an industry friend of mine to contribute some songwriting and guitar playing to his next album, so I will be putting some time into that to make the record company's deadline, and I look forward to the results. That album will be released in Japan, Europe and maybe the US, but more info will be given when it's available.
Thanks again for the continued support!
Chris
May 6 - Album Launch / Clinic Reminder
Here are the details of Chris' show tomorrow night to launch "The Master Plan"...
When: 8pm, Tuesday May 7
Where: Maxx Music: 3 Packard Avenue, Castle Hill Phone 98940000
Cost: FREE
Chris will be playing tunes from the new album, talking about music,. guitar playing and take questions from attendees. Come along, hear some music and have a chat to Chris afterwards!
May
1 - Hills News article : "Man with an axe to grind"
The Hills News paper's story on Chris is in this
week's edition. Click here to see it.
April
24 - Media coverage, Guitar Nine charts + more
Continued thanks to everyone purchasing "The Master Plan". It's going strong at Guitar Nine Records, where it debuted at #5 on G9's most popular list, and has been at #1 on the last two charts! (which run in 10 day intervals)
Media coverage continues, with Western Sydney newspaper "The Hills News" interviewing Chris last week about the album and the album launch on May 7 (see previous news). Look out for that in the April 30 edition of the paper.
The ProgPower site features a glowing review of the Master Plan, which scored just one point less than strong new releases by Dream Theater and Pain Of Salvation. And speaking of interviews, progressive music website Ytsejam.com features a "Next Big Thing" article on Chris, which consists of a short interview and comments from writer John "Koggie" Kotzian, who stated that
"The guitar stylings of Chris Brooks are up there with the likes of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. His command of the instrument is rivaled by his ability to compose beautiful songs. I highly recommend you check out this album."
And lastly, after waiting almost a year, we were finally able to get the www.chrisbrooks.com domain name, which we will use in conjunction with the chrisbrooks.net domain.
cb webmaster
April 12 - Clinic date changed + radio promotion
In order to get some local media coverage of Chris' clinic at Castle Hill, the date of the clinic has been pushed back. It will now take place on Tuesday May 7 at 8:00pm.
In addition to the radio airplay been given by Screaming Symphony in Melbourne and online at seismic radio, Dave Hatlee's Digital Dementia will host a special show featuring "The Master Plan" this Saturday night at 11:00pm US EST (that's 1:00pm Sunday AUS EST). A few copies of the album will be given away, and Chris will be calling in for a chat. See you there!
cb webmaster
April 9 - Prognosis review + clinic confirmation
MJ Brady at the popular prog and fusion website Prognosis has given "The Master Plan" a glowing review. Here's part of the review: "... (Brooks) is an amazing musician, and is a very crafty composer also. It would have been far too easy for him to have mimicked the Moores, Malmsteens, and Garseds of the guitar world. His playing is far beyond such apery, this is proven by is writing abilities. His music is always in a rhythmic flux, utilizing a high complexity level, blistering speeds, and precision-like melodic interchange. The fact that he performs all the instruments is also an amazing feat in and of itself, as the music is such, that nothing less than highly competent professional virtuoso types would be capable of keeping up with the demanding changes and progressions..."
You can read the full review here.
In other news, the details of Chris' upcoming guitar clinic/performance are confirmed as follows:
When: Tuesday April 23, 7:00pm
Where: Maxx Music: 4/3 Packard Avenue, Castle Hill (in the business trading center off Victoria Ave) Ph: 9894 0000
Cost: $0.00
Chris will be performing some songs from "The Master Plan", and the album will be available on the night.
cb webmaster
March 30 - Guitar Nine update + lesson opportunity
Guitar Nine Records managed to move all of their stock of "The Master Plan" within only 3 days! Fear not, more stock is already on it's way to G9, and of course we still have stock here at chrisbrooks.net.
In other news, Chris currently has a couple of vacancies in his teaching schedule. If you're in Sydney's western suburbs and would like regular or on-off lessons from Chris, contact Chris for more information.
cb webmaster
March 26 - Guitar Nine Records have "The Master Plan"
"The Master Plan" is now also available at Guitar Nine Records! Guitar Nine have a great reputation for merchandising guitar-related music, so I'm glad to be dealing with them. Although online orders are still being taken here at chrisbrooks.net and G9, Guitar Nine will be our recommended supplier for mail orders now since our mail order service has been limited to Australian currency. Full order information is here.
Chris
March 24 - Airplay and upcoming clinic /album launch
Hi all,
Just a quick update on a couple of things to look out for...
DJ Bear at Seismic Radio will be playing music from "The Master Plan" from Tuesday Night (March 26). Tune in at 10PM US EST (That's 2pm Wednesday Australian EST) at www.seismicradio.com.
And for those of you in Sydney's west, I'll be doing a clinic at Castle Hill's Maxx Music on Tuesday April 23 to launch "The Master Plan". I'll be playing some tunes from the album (and maybe a surprise or two) and taking questions about music, gear, whatever. I'll give you more info closer to the day.
Chris
March
12 - orders sent!
All orders waiting to be processed have now been sent! Thanks again to those who've shown their support for Chris and his music!
A couple of online retailers in the US and
Australia will also be handling "The Master Plan" sales in their respective
countries. We'll give details of that in the coming weeks. Orders
will continue to be accepted here at chrisbrooks.net with major credit cards and
PayPal.
cb webmaster
March
9 - orders to be dispatched very soon
Chris wants to send a huge THANKS to everyone who helped get "The Master Plan" off to a great start by pre-ordering! Stock will be packaged and sent by air mail tomorrow morning.
Since quite a few people out there seem keen to spread the word about the new CD (which we're very grateful for!), here are a few easy ways in which you could help out...
- Tell your friends - easy! Emails, phone calls, letters, whatever!
- Add a signature to your outgoing emails, for example "Chris Brooks' new album - THE MASTER PLAN. Get it at www.chrisbrooks.net"
- Add a signature to your message board / forum messages
- Talk about the CD in metal, prog-rock and guitar-related discussions on message boards that you frequent (please do not breach any forum rules that apply).
- Add a link from your site to http://www.chrisbrooks.net
- Run a banner ad for us on your site. Our banner is here.
Your support is really appreciated. Thanks from Chris and the team!
Also, our guest book was down
for a couple of days. Sorry if you tried to leave a message. You can
always email us with your
comments, or try again now.
cb webmaster
February
23 - Pre-order and win for a friend!
To celebrate the upcoming release of Chris' new CD 'The Master Plan', every tenth person to pre-order the new album will receive one extra copy for a friend - FREE! Order before March 8 for your chance to get an extra CD at no extra charge! The offer only applies to orders made here at chrisbrooks.net. The winners will be notified after their order and payment have been recieved.
cb webmaster
February 22 - Official site opens, new album out soon!h
Hi, and welcome to the new site of Chris Brooks - me! Here you will be able to find out who I am, what I do, get info on my forthcoming instrumental album 'The Master Plan' and order it here too!
I'd like to send a special thanks to those that checked out the early sound samples and sent encouraging emails and posted the links on other sites to spread the word on my music. Wow! Keep it up! You can hear some of the album now with free audio samples in the Listening Room.
'The Master Plan' is on its way from the pressing plant, for release on March 8. You can order your copy here and now securely through PayPal with your Visa, MasterCard, Amex or existing PayPal account. We can take orders from anywhere in the world, and stock will be dispatched as soon as stock arrives.
Thanks for visiting! I hope you like the new music, and I thank you for your interest and support!
Chris