VONTANNER
In 1978 I was honored to be one of seventeen, singers/songwriters/musicians to record a compilation album by gay/straight/feminist men on the Folkways Record label entitled "Walls to Roses: Songs of Changing Men". In 1987, The Smithsonian Institute realizing just how important the Folkway's Collection was and wanting to preserve it for future generations, purchased the entire Folkway's catalog, lock stock and barrel. "Brothers" and "The Sensitive Little Boy", two of the ten songs on the "Walls to Roses" album, are written and performed by me. I am a permanent part of The Smithsonian...could'ya die? Okay there are sound bite samples so you'll get your jollies listening to me almost 30 years ago.
One interesting hi-light, when the album was finished and debuted on a popular community radio station in Boston, one song was banned from radio play even by the most liberal of radio stations...
oh yes, it was one of mine, it was too 'gay'...could'ya die?
This album was how I came 'out' to my parents and they have lived long enough to take pride in that once shameful album...could'ya die? Now I can!
Peace and Pride,
Chris VonTanner
(a.k.a. Chris Tanner)
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
In 1978 I was honored to be one of seventeen, singers/songwriters/musicians to record a compilation album by gay/straight/feminist men on the Folkways Record label entitled "Walls to Roses: Songs of Changing Men". In 1987, The Smithsonian Institute realizing just how important the Folkway's Collection was and wanting to preserve it for future generations, purchased the entire Folkway's catalog, lock stock and barrel. "Brothers" and "The Sensitive Little Boy", two of the ten songs on the "Walls to Roses" album, are written and performed by me. I am a permanent part of The Smithsonian...could'ya die? Okay there are sound bite samples so you'll get your jollies listening to me almost 30 years ago.
One interesting hi-light, when the album was finished and debuted on a popular community radio station in Boston, one song was banned from radio play even by the most liberal of radio stations...oh yes, it was one of mine, it was too 'gay'...could'ya die?
http://www.folkways.si.edu/search/AlbumDetails.aspx?ID=2044
This album was how I came 'out' to my parents and they have lived long enough to take pride in that once shameful album...could'ya die? Now I can!
Peace and Pride,
Chris VonTanner
(a.k.a. Chris Tanner)
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes...we love playing for Gay Pride events mostly in June and July, Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco and many more. As for special moments, you'll have to buy our book!
What equipment do you use?
digital...digital...digital...main keyboard=yamaha CS2x
main drums=Roland (digital)club set main computer=Macintosh main software= Logic Pro 7 secondary's=Roland XV-3080, MOTU 828, FOSTEX VF-160, EURORACK MX802A, E-MU Orbit v2, Xreme Lead-1, Tube Pac mic compressor, main studio mic=AKG C1000S main performance mic=AUDIO-TECHNICA ATW-T341 (cordless) main monitors=4 Behringer Truth B2031s, et more....
