Chris Van Cleave has starred in national tours of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hair"; appeared on London's West End in "Les Miserables" and "Chess"; recorded with Laura Branigan, Suzi Quatro, Jim McCarty (Yardbirds), Tim Wheater and Barry Mason (writer of hits for Tom Jones and Englebert Humperdink); and has shared the stage with Kansas, Poco, Eric Burdon, Leon Russell, and Buckwheat Zydeco.
As a songwriter, Chris is one of the most prolific and eclectic composers within the industry today with seven albums of his original music to his credit (including one major release on Paramount Records), three musicals, and a catalog of over 450 songs.
His music has been described as "food for the soul," an "infinite palette of colors." Drawing from a myriad of influences including melodic rock, jazz, blues, reggae, country, musical theater and folk, he laughingly calls it "eclectic," an appropriate catch-all description which circumvents the temptation to categorize his unique style.
"I look for imagery in lyric-writing to create pictures for the listener that can change in meaning for wherever anyone may be in life. Each of us discovers our own truths in our own special way. For me, songwriting serves as a vehicle to convey the truths shown to me as I journey through Life's peaks and valleys."
Chris' songs are like good friends - they mean more to you with each encounter!
"With timelessly crafted songs...and a voice that simultaneously encompasses the power of Scott Walker and the tenderness of Jackson Brown, Van Cleave would be rubbing shoulders with Nanci Griffith and Lyle Lovett if justice and talent were the deciding factors in the music business." Johnny Black, U.K. writer for Q Magazine, Insight, and Hi Fi News.
BEYOND...SEE BEYOND Reviews
"If you want to tell someone how deeply you love them but can't find the words, let singer/songwriter Van Cleave do it for you. These soulful, sweet tunes not only express romantic amour in a way that could not be more to the point, but also parental, spiritual, and other flavors of deep love. It takes real courage and truly being in touch with one's most interior sensibilities to say these things so directly and profoundly... A rich candescence one can take to heart and soul."
NAPRA ReVIEW (Spring 1998)
"Well crafted songs, skillful guitar playing and a wide-ranging voice add up to a wonderful CD. A great example of the songwriter/guitarist's craft."
MICHAEL MADDEN, Kindred Spirit, (England, 1998)
"Van Cleave's voice is clear and expressive, providing fertile ground for his lush lyrical landscape...With a range that slides easily from bass to tenor, he is compared to Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, or Dan Fogelberg."
ERIC WORDEN Port Folio Weekly (2-3-98) DJ, WPTE 94.9 FM (Norfolk, VA)
"Chris Van Cleave...is a gifted acoustic singer-songwriter who possesses the courage to express positive, even spiritual themes in a musical culture too often steeped in cynicism. Ornate guitar work supports Van Cleave's gentle but firm vocal...Within this blue-sky atmosphere, sensitive lyrics emerge, addressing the deeper meanings ever present in relationships and nature. Van Cleave's songwriting is rich in metaphor and ear pleasing poetry. The overall sound is a meditative, often thought provoking blend of sounds and insights, refreshing and quite rare these days."
IAN DANIELSEN, Nine X (Dec/Jan 1997/98)
Details of Chris' many faceted career can be found at www.vancleavemusic.com
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