Chris Bramble Band: Press

Grateful Web

Band of the Month September 2007

To read what they say in Deadland, click on the link:

Weekly Volcano

Folk Rock - Chris Bramble Band

Political awareness and social consciousness were the driving forces behind the majority of the 60's and early 70's music scenes. Singers and songwriters were outspoken critics of the unjust war in Vietnam, women's rights and environmental issues. What happened? Why don't artists today speak to the pressing issues that plague the world? Even U2 has gotten lax. With a moppy head of hair and Lennon-esque spectacles, Chris Bramble lets his freak flag fly while he pens tunes that would make Pete Seeger proud. However, rather than spewing out protest songs, his music has an exceedingly positive vibe, both lyrically and musically, Influenced by such diverse artists as Bob Marley, John Coltrane and early Grateful Dead, the Chris Bramble Band is self-described as danceable, improvisational, inspirational folk-rock. The psychedelic quintet of Terry Ann Gillette (violin), Paul Lamb (bass), Bradley Leach (drums), Paul Best (percussion) and Bramble on guitar, vocals and unisonix released its debut "Laugh at the Wind", in 2006. The disc effortlessly blends reggae, folk, traditional Appalachian and Celtic, and jam band influences together. While they may be out of step with pop culture, they are a refreshing change of pace from the superficial mainstream.

Bohemian

Spirit of the Dead live on in singer-songwriter Chris Bramble

"They're not the best at what they do, they're the only ones who do what they do" read a billboard on the side of San Francisco's Winterland, where the Grateful Dead played many of their epic shows. Anyone who ever reveled in one - or more likely many - of the Dead's bacchanalian extravaganzas will agree. The ecstasy of the Dead's seemingly never-ending tour concluded in 1995 with the death of lead guitarist Jerry Garcia. Other members of the Dead have soldiered on, but the true spirit of the Dead has been kept alive by less corporate musicians such as Sonoma County's Chris Bramble.

The singer-songwriter and guitarist has just released his debut cd "Laugh At the Wind", a celebration of Dead-inspired sentiments celebrating everything from the beauty of a red-tailed hawk's wing to the stumbles we make as we navigate the roads of life. Bramble's guitar carries the album on its merry way, through the Calypso-infused "We Dance the Night Away", which would be right at home on a David Lindley album, to a song dedicated to the late eco-activist Judi Bari ("And the Sky Cried"). Another strong influence is Fairport Convention. The folkie ballad "Widow's Tears" would make Richard Thompson proud.

Bramble plays feel-good music without getting sappy. And, like the Dead's music, as inspriring as it is on disc, Bramble's artistry is best enjoyed live. To spread the positive vibrations, Bramble and his band are headlining a show on Jan. 20 to benefit Food Not Bombs, a grassroots organization that provides free vegetarian food to hungry people across the globe. Opening the show is Madera Humana, playing what they call "California gypsy grass."

"Cool people getting their hands dirty doing what it takes to take care of people who are at their lowest and scratching for enough to eat," Bramble says when describing Food Not Bombs. "Some of their people have been tortured in foreign countries because they are taken as revolutionaries-which they are, just non-violent ones."

This, too, hews to to the spirit of the Dead, a band that donated generously to such groups as Seva and Rainforest Action Network. But, unlike most big-time benefits with triple-digit ticket prices, Bramble's show is just 10 bucks. Not bad for a night that promises a good time and supports a worthy cause.

West County Gazette

"Laugh at the Wind"

I just had the pleasure of listening to the new, and I believe first CD released by Chris Bramble titled "Laugh at the Wind." I've known this man for years but had never heard his music. My immediate reaction was how perfectly his personality translates into melody, rhythm and
lyrics. He is a positive, sweet and delightful human being. Light and tender, conscious and kind. His music dances happily across the strings of his guitar. It's sunshine and blue skies on a warm day. Lilting guitar solos, light and complex percussion, hypnotic violin, lyrics that speak from his heart. What a perfect translation of man into music.

What is also a delight is the impression that his band are of the same mind, heart and spirit. The blend of instruments is well balanced, no one is vying for attention. Harmony in their harmonies. This CD is surprisingly well-produced for home brew. It's an excellent example of how modern technology allows musicians to reproduce their music for many to enjoy without the politics, etc. of the music industry. When you purchase the CD, you support the musicians directly. Sweet.

Joyful Living News

...musician Chris Bramble entertained us with his spicy spiritual songs ... a man whose music goes from funky to world fusion reggae and psychedelic folk-rock.

The Bridge

Chris Bramble's positive and uplifting music soothes and energizes simultaneously. His songs are the expression of someone aware of his priorities - spiritual, emotional, political, and musical. Terry Ann Gillette's violin provides poignant accent and counterpoint to Bramble's voice. The whole band blends into a swirl of motion that can get your feet moving or your mind spinning. I feel blessed in listening.

Bruce Latimer Show

What a wonderful songwriter…such a huge resonant voice

Spin Spam Spunk

Chris Bramble creates a swirling of dancers – a jam band vibe, a little calypsoish, a bit jug band, some thunder with a wisp of mist…an upbeat space jam, reggae, folk blues twine of melodies uncanned and roots raw. It’s flow, nothing less flavorful

Zone Music

hey I totally enjoyed the CD -- very well recorded and great sounds -- love the vibe of unleash the dawn -- a lot (of) very touching (songs) here, quiet joy, child of mine. My fav tune is other side -- most radio ready for alt stations is
we dance the night away

especially good job of drums, and guitars sound great. very nice project.

Alice Di Micele

Chris Bramble is a singer/songwriter who embodies the Jam-Band spirit in a folkie kind of way. If you turn this album down low you feel like you are outside a Dead show trying to get in... If you turn it up you will smile, laugh, dance, cry, and remember what life is all about.

Robin Sylvester

new grooves and colors....imaginative creative playing

"Laugh at the Wind" is getting airplay on these radio stations:

KRSH-FM 95.5 Santa Rosa, CA www.krsh.com
KPFA 94.1 FM Pacifica, CA www.kpfa.org
KRFH 610 AM Arcata, CA www.krfh.net
KGGV 95.1 FM Guerneville, CA www.kggv-fm.org
89.1 FM Denman Island, BC
KOWS 107.3 FM Occidental, CA
WFSS 91.9 FM Fayetteville, NC

...and online at these sites:

Grateful Dread Radio - www.gratefuldread.net
Front Row Radio - www.frontrowradio.net
Sirius - www.sirius.com
WGAD,NET - www.wgad,net
WCER - www.radiocos.ning.com/