Chris Squier

Artist Information

Biography

Chris is a Rock Singer/Songwriter hailing from Upstate New York. His unique vocals and compelling songwriting have earned him several award nominations, including Best Male Vocalist and Best Songwriter from the Buffalo Music Awards, and from Gritz Magazine as a "Too Good To Miss" Artist. As a solo performer he has performed in over 100 cities from NY to LA to Boise, ID. Noteable venues include the House of Blues in Anaheim California, Club 416 in NYC, and Thursday in the Square in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. Chris has also had the opportunity to open for several well-known artists such as Jakob Dylan, Southside Johnny and (with The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter) Brett Michaels.
Chris is currently working on a new album with his new band, comprised of veteran musicians of the indie music scene. The band plans to begin recording in the latter half of 2011.

Instrumentation

Nathan Gavacs - keybaord and backing vocals
Bob Price - Drums & Backing Vocals.
Peter Carrocio - violin and backing vocals
Larry Smith - Bass, mandolin, and Backing Vocals

Discography

Flowers Beneath The Ashes EP - 2010
No Ordinary Anything - 2006

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Official web site
• Reverbnation
• Chris Squier live video

Audio

• Ophelia Forgive Me
  Listen  
• Thirtysomething Tragedy
  Listen  
• When Heroes Hide
  Listen  
• Wings of Angels
  Listen  

Lyrics

• California (Queen of Light)
• Get it Together
• Wings of Angels
• Ophelia Forgive Me
• Thirtysomething Tragedy
• When Heroes Hide

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• No Ordinary anything: CHRIS SQUIER is for Real. [+ Show ]
  

  rom the opening guitar chords of No Ordinary Anything, you know that Chris Squier is for real. His v...rom the opening guitar chords of No Ordinary Anything, you know that Chris Squier is for real. His voice and lyrics are so pure and over-the-top honest that you want to pay attention to what he is saying at all times. No Ordinary Anything is a nice slice of Americana; true, beautiful independent music.
  
  Squier does a nice job of making each song its own; the problem with most new records in all types of music is that the tracks tend to bleed together. His songs are discernable and different. California (Queen of Light) is a wonderful start to the record, and I’m not sure there is another song on the album that would work as well here; sweet guitars lead into a singable hook, as they keep the song lifting and upbeat at all times. This music just sounds inspirational, almost selflessly motivating in a way. Wings of Angels is particularly astonishing track, and with the help of Meredith Brown. An attractive duel singer aesthetic is utilized to make the song that much better. Hatbox is a good platform for Squier to flex his songwriting muscles, and I’m fairly certain that the album does not get much better than Invisible to You.
  
  This record is not too long, not too short, just nine great tracks of good, old-fashioned indie rock. With No Ordinary Anything, you are assured well-executed songs full of good songwriting and content, some ambient sounds, violins, keys, and first-rate guitar work. Squier’s voice is excellent throughout as well; passionate and earnest, the whole time believable.
  
  This is not just music made for music’s sake. No Ordinary Anything is an album made for a reason, it has a purpose, and that’s for you to listen to it.
  
  REVIEW LINK:
  http://www.buffaloathome.com/Detail.aspx?dct=54&id=3032&mid=1330

• Chris Squier: Solid Guitars, Good Singing, and Excellent Songwriting - Tom Waits meets the Gin Blossoms [+ Show ]
  

  Imagine a younger Tom Waits singing for the Gin Blossoms, with Tom Petty and John Mellencamp collab... Imagine a younger Tom Waits singing for the Gin Blossoms, with Tom Petty and John Mellencamp collaborating on the lyrics, and you'll understand where this song is coming from. The guitars are a mixuture of Roots Rock light distortion with the added jangle of 90's College Rock. The vocalist has just the right amount of distortion in his voice for my taste. The lyrics spoke to me: "Am I the only one looking for absolution for my sins...the sins that have yet to come?". There is a sparse, desperate feeling to this song, but with a faint promise of redemption. If you like your college/roots rock with solid guitars, good singing, and excellent songwriting, you need to hear this song.

• No Ordinary Anything: Honest, Reminiscent of Mellencamp or Springsteen [+ Show ]
  

  (Chris Squier) does what he does well. It's acoustic rock about real-life, small-town America situat...(Chris Squier) does what he does well. It's acoustic rock about real-life, small-town America situations and themes, reminiscent of Mellancamp or of Springsteen without all the bombast of his early work, and it doesn't pretend to be anything except what it is.

• No Ordinary Anything: Gruff Vocals, Intricate guitar Playing from Multi-Award Nominee [+ Show ]
  

  Singer songwriter Chris Squire has released a new CD titled No Ordinary Anything. Born in New Jersey...Singer songwriter Chris Squire has released a new CD titled No Ordinary Anything. Born in New Jersey, Squier has made Western new York his home for a while now and has been embraced by local musicians and audiences alike with numerous nominations at the local music awards shows. Helping Squier on the disc are Meredith Brown, Bob Farmer, Nathan Gavacs and Armond Petri among others. Petri (Sixpence None The Richer, 10,000 Maniacs, Goo Goo Dolls) also produced the disc. His gruff vocals, intricate guitar playing and song style is in the equivalent vein of Dave Alvin or Peter Case. Highlights here include The solo acoustic number “Proof Of Life”, “Invisible To You” and “You Say It’s All Right”. Squire also turns in a great run of the Bowie classic “Heroes”. For more on Chris Squier and his new release No Ordinary Anything go to www.chrissquier.com
  
  REVIEW LINK:
  http://www.bestofwny.com/entertainment/silvestri/chrissquier_2.htm

• It's a 5. [+ Show ]
  

  Harry Chapin like delivery backed by some old style finger-picking and A-1 lyrics make this on of my...Harry Chapin like delivery backed by some old style finger-picking and A-1 lyrics make this on of my favorite GB reviews that I've done. And I've done a bunch.
  
  I am also a singer songwriter storyteller and have a deep appreciation for songs that are written from life experience and written with grace and performed with an emotion that moves the listener. This song has all of those characteristics.
  
  There's little I can offer in constructive changes that I feel should be made...because truthfully this song is great the way it is.
  
  The gritty emotional voice is highlighted by the sparse simple guitar playing. No need to add anything to this tune. It's a 5.

• Chris Squier: A Passionate Vocalist [+ Show ]
  

  Singer songwriter Chris Squier has a debut CD out titled The Interstates EP. A veteran of coffee hou...Singer songwriter Chris Squier has a debut CD out titled The Interstates EP. A veteran of coffee houses from Cleveland to Rochester and back to Western New York he plays bass both acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, vocals and does the digital programming on this with help from Nathan Gavacs on lead guitar. A passionate vocalist, his gravelly voice is comparable to Darkness on the Edge of Town era Springsteen. The seven tracks all feature a nice blend of instrumentation and achieve a full band sound even with Squier handling most of the instruments. Highlights include the tracks “Pieces”, “I’m Listening”, “Down” and “Glass Eyed Baby”. For more information on Chris Squier including show dates and how to purchase his new CD Interstates check out his web site at www.chrissquier.com
  
  REVIEW LINK:
  http://www.bestofwny.com/entertainment/silvestri/chrissquier.htm

• Why aren't you on the airways yet? [+ Show ]
  

  Why haven’t I heard you on the airways yet? I feel like I have been asked to review the Mona Lisa w...Why haven’t I heard you on the airways yet?
  I feel like I have been asked to review the Mona Lisa with Leonardo da Vinci standing next to me. Since we are talking about music maybe I should stay Rocky Mountain High with John Denver over my shoulder.
  
  This is probably going to be one of my worst reviews for I am having problems finding anything wrong with this song. OK, I did get some distortion around 3:42, but I am positive that is from the mp3 download and not the production. The guitar work and drums are wonderful. You have a very well produced song. You have fantastic lyrics that are pleasant to listen too. I love the fact that your vocals are not overpowering or hidden within the music. I am sure people will enjoy what you have said in the song. (Even people who live outside of California.)

• Proof that "Real" Music Still Exists, and is Doing fine... [+ Show ]
  

  Wow. If this album is any indication of the state of independents, then the major labels should be s...Wow. If this album is any indication of the state of independents, then the major labels should be scared or come to their senses...
  This is a great rock album made by a singer-songwriter. The lyrics are straight from the heart and musicianship is top-notch. Songs are satisfyingly melodic and hook0filled but not schmoltzy; there's depth but not too heady. I especially love the little "anti-lead" guitar work..reminds me of Travis or even the Edge from time to time.
  Excellent vocals, too. Distinct and powerful with a slight rasp. Kinda like smooshing Bruce Springsteen and Melissa Etheridge into one person. No, better yet: Jon Bon Jovi if he could write less anthemic and more emotional. I'm telling you, close your eyes and listen - the Bon Jovi comparison is eerie (no diss intended to either Mr. Bon Jovi or Mr. Squier.) this is all very good stuff.
  
  
  REVIEW LINK:
  http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewContentsUserReviews?pageNumber=0&type=PlayList&id=128930335&userReviewId=1511781

Setlist

A
Allman Brothers - Sweet Melissa
Gregg Allman - Midnight Rider
America - Horse with no Name

B

Barenaked Ladies – Brian Wilson
David Bowie - Heroes
Beatles – In My Life
Beatles – Rocky Raccoon
Beatles – Dear Prudence
Beatles – Norwegian Wood
Beatles – Two of Us
Ben E. King – Stand By Me
Bon Jovi - Wanted Dead or Alive
Bon Iver - Flume


C

Clapton – Wonderful tonight
Clapton - Bell Bottom Blues
Cream - White Room
Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight
Counting Crows – Round Here
Counting Crows – Angels of the Silences
Counting Crows – A Long December
Counting Crows - Mrs. Potter's Lullaby
Cold Play – Yellow
Cold Play – The Scientist
Cold Play - Trouble
CSN – Suite Judy Blue Eyes
CSN – Helplessly Hoping
CSN (Stephen Stills) - Love the One You're With
CSN - Long Time Coming
CSN - Southern Cross
Sheryl Crow- If It Makes You Happy

D

Dylan – Watchtower
Dylan – Times The Are A changing
Dylan – Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right
Dylan – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door

E

Eagles – Hotel California
Eagles – Ol’ 55 (see TOM WAITS)

F

Five Man Electrical Band - Signs

G

Peter Gabriel – In Your Eyes
Peter Gabriel – Red Rain
Peter Gabriel – Come Talk to Me
Peter Gabriel – Solisbury Hill
Peter Gabriel – Washing of the Water
David Gray – Say Hello Wave Goodbye
David Gray – Babylon
David Gray - White Ladder
Goo Goo Dolls – Iris
Goo Goo Dolls - Slide
Guns and Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
Guns and Roses - Patience
Green Day – Time of your Life
Gin Blossoms – Hey Jealousy
Greatful Dead – Uncle John’s Band
Greatful Dead - Friend of the Devil

H

Hendrix – Little Wing
Colin Hay - Waiting for My Real Life to Begin


I

Indigo Girls – Closer to Fine

J

Jane’s Addiction – Jane Says
Billy Joel – Piano Man

K
Kansas - Dust in the Wind

L

Lynrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Simple Man
Ray LaMontagne - Trouble

M

Dave Matthews – Crash into Me
Dave Matthews - Gravedigger
Dave Matthews - Grey Street
Sarah Mclachlan – Building a Mystery
Mellencamp – Pink houses
Matchbox 20 – 3 a.m.
Matchbox 20 – Push
Bob Marley – redemption Song
Bob Marley – No Woman No Cry
Bob Marley - Three Little Birds
Van Morrison – Moondance
Van Morisson – Brown Eyed Girl


N

O

Oasis – Champagne Supernova
Oasis – Wonderwall

P

Tom Petty – Mary Jane’s Last Dance
Tom Pety - Free Fallin'
Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb
Pink Floyd – Mother
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here
Poison - Every Rose Has It's Thorn

Q
Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love

R

Radiohead – Fake Plastic Trees
Radiohed - Lucky
Radiohead - Creep
Rod Stewart/Tim Hardin – Reason to Believe
Rod Stewart – Maggie May
Rolling Stones – Dead Flowers
Rolling Stones – Sympathy for the Devil
R.E.M. – Losing My Religion
Otis Redding – Dock Of the Bay

S

Bob Seger – Turn The Page

T

James Taylor – Sweet Baby James
James Taylor – Fire and Rain

U

U2 – One
U2 – Wild Honey
U2 – Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
U2 – With or Without You

V

Violent Femmes – Blister in the Sun

W

Tom Waits – Ol’ 55
Tom Waits – Hope that I Don’t Fall in Love With You
Tom Waits – Hold On
Tom Waits – I don’t Wanna Grow Up
Wallflowers – 6th Avenue Heartache

X

Y
Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart

Neil Young – Heart of Gold
Neil Young – Hey Hey My My
Neil Young – Cinnamon Girl

Z

Basic Requirements

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