CHRISTOPHER AMES
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CHRISTOPHER AMES combines a dynamic vocal with excelled proficiency on both the acoustic and electric guitar. Combined with a storytelling approach, CHRISTOPHER AMES provides entertaining music for people of all ages and faiths. The versatility of this artist as a musician, a performer and a speaker enlightens audiences from youth to adult.
Chris uses his music to get to the heart of our faith and to tell the story of his journey thus far. He's a simple guy. An earthly guy. A loving husband. A dad... But when he's performing the music that comes from the depths of his soul...you feel like he's your best friend too! Previously compared to artists such as John Denver, Steven Curtis Chapman and John Mellencamp, Christopher Ames has earned a place not only as an award winning musician, but also as one with a compassionate, and grace-filled heart.
With over 20 years experience as a full-time musician, Chris has been cutting through the issues that can divide and distract us. Whether we come as a prodigal, a seeker, or with the faith of a child… his music will call us to consider that there is always light to get us through our weakest moments.
Christopher Ames is no stranger to the recording studio. His 2004 CD titled BELIEVING BEYOND THE SHADOWS garnered critical acclaim and spawned several Top 10 singles that hit on both Christian and Country radio. In 2006 Christopher Ames released an instrumental CD titled TAKE IT IN. This CD featured both original songs and hymns. It caught the attention of both industry and retail professionals, and for his work he was awarded the 2007 MOMENTUM AWARD for Instrumental Artist of the Year presented in Nashville, TN. Many venues are often looking for instrumental (guitar based) background music. Christopher's acoustic instrumental performance is perfect for restaurants, retail establishments, doctor’s offices, and background music on talk radio, commercials and many business websites. His work on this project also earned him an endorsement partnership with Breedlove Guitars.
In 2008 Christopher Ames released his 5th album-EVERYDAY WITH YOU on the Remnant Music Group Label. This CD focused on the journey of life and love in marriage and family. The album is a departure from his traditional acoustic style and is more pop/rock oriented which appeals to a broad audience. The success of this CD earned him two KCCM Awards (Acoustic Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year). A nomination for POP Album of the Year by the Syracuse Area Music Awards, a nomination for best adult contemporary song (LINGER) at the 2008 ISSA (Independent Singer Songwriter Awards) and 2 honorable mentions in the 2008 Song Door International Songwriting Competition. The track titled PICTURES OF US was a Top 3 Finalist in the Best Original Song Competition. The CD also received a 4-Star review in Christianity Today. In 2009, Christopher introduced us to an EP he recorded titled LEAD US INTO CHRISTMAS DAY featuring an original radio single of the same name. The song received airplay on over 300+ stations, and in 9 countries.
In 2011, Christopher Ames released JOURNEYMAN; a collection of lyrically and melodically crafted songs inspired not only by his own (personal) physical and spiritual journey, but also to the witness he has become to the journey of others. JOURNEYMAN was produced by critically acclaimed songwriter; Bob Halligan Jr. Halligan encouraged Christopher to really expand his musical vocabulary and depth on this new record taking inspiration from great guitar players of both the past and present, and from both the Mainstream and Contemporary Christian sonic environments. You'll hear a little rock, a little blues, a little country...all infused with sublime vocal performances and lyrics filled with faith, hope, and the realities of being a music minister on the road.
Christopher Ames’ ministry continues to inspire others through his ongoing presentations from the stage. His current YOUTH Workshop titled STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, REPRESENT!, empowers teens and young adults to live a life that makes a difference for God’s kingdom. Christopher Ames shows a great example of this message as a performer, but also in his personal testimony where he is an advocate for Eating Disorder Awareness- which has been an ongoing struggle in his own family. Nonetheless, he remains focused on his vocation, his family and his faith. Christopher also serves as the Worship Music Director for a church based in the Syracuse area.
Chris uses his music to get to the heart of our faith and to tell the story of his journey thus far. He's a simple guy. An earthly guy. A loving husband. A dad... But when he's performing the music that comes from the depths of his soul...you feel like he's your best friend too! Previously compared to artists such as John Denver, Steven Curtis Chapman and John Mellencamp, Christopher Ames has earned a place not only as an award winning musician, but also as one with a compassionate, and grace-filled heart.
With over 20 years experience as a full-time musician, Chris has been cutting through the issues that can divide and distract us. Whether we come as a prodigal, a seeker, or with the faith of a child… his music will call us to consider that there is always light to get us through our weakest moments.
Christopher Ames is no stranger to the recording studio. His 2004 CD titled BELIEVING BEYOND THE SHADOWS garnered critical acclaim and spawned several Top 10 singles that hit on both Christian and Country radio. In 2006 Christopher Ames released an instrumental CD titled TAKE IT IN. This CD featured both original songs and hymns. It caught the attention of both industry and retail professionals, and for his work he was awarded the 2007 MOMENTUM AWARD for Instrumental Artist of the Year presented in Nashville, TN. Many venues are often looking for instrumental (guitar based) background music. Christopher's acoustic instrumental performance is perfect for restaurants, retail establishments, doctor’s offices, and background music on talk radio, commercials and many business websites. His work on this project also earned him an endorsement partnership with Breedlove Guitars.
In 2008 Christopher Ames released his 5th album-EVERYDAY WITH YOU on the Remnant Music Group Label. This CD focused on the journey of life and love in marriage and family. The album is a departure from his traditional acoustic style and is more pop/rock oriented which appeals to a broad audience. The success of this CD earned him two KCCM Awards (Acoustic Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year). A nomination for POP Album of the Year by the Syracuse Area Music Awards, a nomination for best adult contemporary song (LINGER) at the 2008 ISSA (Independent Singer Songwriter Awards) and 2 honorable mentions in the 2008 Song Door International Songwriting Competition. The track titled PICTURES OF US was a Top 3 Finalist in the Best Original Song Competition. The CD also received a 4-Star review in Christianity Today. In 2009, Christopher introduced us to an EP he recorded titled LEAD US INTO CHRISTMAS DAY featuring an original radio single of the same name. The song received airplay on over 300+ stations, and in 9 countries.
In 2011, Christopher Ames released JOURNEYMAN; a collection of lyrically and melodically crafted songs inspired not only by his own (personal) physical and spiritual journey, but also to the witness he has become to the journey of others. JOURNEYMAN was produced by critically acclaimed songwriter; Bob Halligan Jr. Halligan encouraged Christopher to really expand his musical vocabulary and depth on this new record taking inspiration from great guitar players of both the past and present, and from both the Mainstream and Contemporary Christian sonic environments. You'll hear a little rock, a little blues, a little country...all infused with sublime vocal performances and lyrics filled with faith, hope, and the realities of being a music minister on the road.
Christopher Ames’ ministry continues to inspire others through his ongoing presentations from the stage. His current YOUTH Workshop titled STAND UP, SPEAK OUT, REPRESENT!, empowers teens and young adults to live a life that makes a difference for God’s kingdom. Christopher Ames shows a great example of this message as a performer, but also in his personal testimony where he is an advocate for Eating Disorder Awareness- which has been an ongoing struggle in his own family. Nonetheless, he remains focused on his vocation, his family and his faith. Christopher also serves as the Worship Music Director for a church based in the Syracuse area.
Why this name?
Umm...I was born with it...
Do you play live?
Absolutely-I make my living from being a fulltime musician. This is how I support my family. But I'm also a workshop leader and speaker as well. I primarily work in the church market but with the release of Everyday With You I am doing a lot more mainstream events as well. People everywhere can relate to some of my stories. They laugh, they cry. They hug me. I like that.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
Wow-its been incredible. Everyday there are opportunities to hear music, to buy music, to learn about new music, to listen to old music. Its an unlimited universe for everyone now. What a blessing. Plus-I meet people from all over the world. Couldn't do that 15-20 years ago.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Oh come on...what musician doesn't have that dream. But you know what? Ultimately I just want to do what I do and provide for my family while doing it. I'm proud to stand up and call myself an independent artist. I just wish some of the takers would open up their hearts to receive artists who don't have a label pinned to the front of their chest.
Band History:
Well, a lot of that story in regards to my CD releases are in my general bio but if you want to know the whole truth and nothing but the truth...you'll have to book me for a show, put on a big pot of coffee, and listen.
Your influences?
For sure I am a huge Beatles fan. But I am inspired by many many artists. Creatively I love the work of Phil Keaggy, Randy Stonehill and Larry Norman in the Christian market, but there are so many mainstream artists that have influenced me as well. Again...let's put on that coffee and talk!
Favorite spot?
Home.
Equipment used:
I have an endorsement with Breedlove Guitars. Beautifully crafted instrument!
Anything else...?
Sure would love to come and play a LIVE show in your town...and in the meantime would it be a shameless plug if I encouraged you to download a song or two? With the new release of JOURNEYMAN we've got something for everyone. Plus, COINS IN THE JAR is getting some pretty significant attention from folks who do fundraising. Who doesn't do dfundraising at one time or another! Check it out!
Photos
Journeyman CD cover
Everyday With You (2008)