| PRESS KIT Chris Klein Klein leads a band called THE BOULEVARDS, which promotes his CD/DVD - Tales From the Money Jungle, a landmark production that features 10 thematic original pieces of music indigenous to the city - jazz, blues, funk, latin undercurrents abounding. Having grown up in a rich musical environment, and played with individuals who generously shared their music with generations eager to learn it, Klein creates music that combines blues and jazz with polyrhythmic Afro-Cuban beats, and the “second line” funk that is indigenous to his hometown, New Orleans, historically one of the most significant melting pots of music in the world. As a freelance musician, with extensive studio experience, Klein currently finds himself playing and recording with a number of groups across the United States. Chris Klein and the Boulevards – New Orleans/Oakland (jazz/blues/latin/funk)The Dirty Boogaloo – New York (soul-jazz/boogaloo)The Funk Revival Orchestra – Oakland (10-piece funk/latin funk)The Revealers – New Orleans (reggae)Soul Project – New Orleans (funk/soul/jazz)Ya Ya Sol – New Orleans (Brazilian/Spanish) \Whether it be a sideman, section leader, band director, or group leader, Klein always creates an indelible roll, comprised of talent, energy, and personality, in any project he is involved with. TABLE OF CONTENTS A. Chris Klein Bio B. Boulevards Personnel C. Group Bios Now here is a biography written by a very talented freelance writer in New Orleans, Dean Shapiro...... A. Chris Klein Biography
Written by a very talented freelance writer in New Orleans, Dean Shapiro...... While attending high school in his native city of New Orleans, Chris Klein, joined a band with a few of his classmates who were looking for a lead singer. With no formal training or experience, he put his best efforts forth to sing old standard blues songs and play a few barely-in-tune harmonicas. Thus began a love affair that continues to this day. He began practicing on them, studying the styles of the great “harp masters” and learning the basics, as well as the various nuances that could be coaxed out of the versatile mouth instrument. Over time, his understanding of the many styles of harp playing grew to include those that expanded beyond the norm into realms of music that were indigenous around him. The musical melting pot that New Orleans essentially is provided exposure to the beat of the Second line and the Mardi Gras Indians, the rhythms of Cuba and Haiti, and the harmonies and melodies of jazz. There, as well as in the blues, Klein found his musical niche. At the age of 20, he moved to Colorado and a new stage of his career began. He was given a flute by a friend and was instantly fascinated by it. He enlisted the aid of some street musicians to teach him the basics and, over time, his training opened him up to another world and a new understanding of music. Later on, a tenor saxophone was added to Klein’s arsenal of instruments. In later years it would emerge as a valuable key to deeper explorations into the jazz realm. His saxophone style became influenced by Rashaan Roland Kirk, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, while on flute Herbie Mann, and Ian Anderson were his mentors. Little Walter, Charlie Musselwhite, Rod Piazza, and William Clarke were all very influential to his sound on the harp. He formed a band called the Boulevards, which became one of Colorado’s premiere blues bands, playing songs by great blues masters and recording their first c.d. - Might the Boulevards Swing. The few originals on the recording gave Klein valuable song writing experience, which was reflected in an all-original follow-up c.d. called Desire. The music heretofore would be more jazz-influenced blues. After tours of the South and West, playing clubs and festivals, Klein gave in to the urges of friends and family (as well as an “inner calling” and returned to New Orleans in the late 1990’s. It was a good career choice for him, one that allowed him to flourish and expand his creativity in a more musically conducive environment. He acquired considerable playing time in New Orleans’ vibrant cabaret scene, becoming familiar fixtures in the music clubs of the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Fauborg Marigny. Later on he relocated to the East Bay area of California, where, as a well-seasoned player, Klein has blossomed into a talented artist who maintains musical relationships from coast to coast. B. Boulevards Personnel BOULEVARDS - New Orleans Don WIlliams (Guitar, Bass) - a multi-instrumentalist who's comfortable in a wide variety of musical styles, Don brings a great musical presence to the Boulevards. Well-versed in Brazillian music, he leads Ya Ya Sol, and plays guitar and sings in the Revealers. Gene Harding (Drums) - a core member of the "Bad Apples," the versatile triumvirate together with Chris and Don, Gene defines New Orleans drummers ability to be a home with multiple styles: funk, reggae, latin, second-line, mambo, blues, jazz - all the while making it extremely funky. Also, a Revealer. Rik Fletcher (Organ) - a long-time member of the Boulevards, Rik has been instrumental in the formulation of the songs on "Tales From The Money Jungle," in particular, his left-hand bass playing Cristian Duque (Guitar) - Founder of Soul Project, Christian has been Walter Wolfman Washington's right-hand man for over a decade. He brings a unique blend of jazz soul and funk to the BLVDS.BOULEVARDS - Bay Area Andrew Reissiger (Guitar) - Adept at a wide range of styles--whether it's Blues, Funk, Latin, African, or Balkan--Andrew Reissiger is entertaining to watch and wholly engaging to listen to. He can go "from psychedelic Santana to dusty-road Ali Farka Toure at the drop of a hat." A composer with seven critically acclaimed recordings to his name, he is also highly valued for his supportive abilities, having performed across four continents with artists as diverse as Geoffrey Omadhebo (Sonny Okosun) Jonathan Byrd, Omega Bugembe Okello, Andre Manga (Angelique Kidjo/Josh Groban), Roy Brown, Tito Auger, Luis "Perico" Ortiz (Fania All Stars), and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger.Wayne De La Cruz (Organ) - Wayne De La Cruz is a versatile keyboardist, with an extraordinary ability to make the music happen on any occasion. He has been performing as a professional keyboardist in the San Francisco bay area and around the country since 1973. Over the years he has gained a highly respected reputation for his work and is always in demand for his Hammond B3 organ expertise as well as his piano and multi-keyboard ability. Also stars in Mudbug.Marshall Harrell (Bass) - When it comes to raw talent, creative artistry, San Francisco Bay Area bassist Marshall Harrell cannot be overlooked. Marshall comes from a background rich in multifarious musical influences and interests. Marshall thrives off of his natural musical talent and has swiftly claimed his place as a major creative force behind any project he is a part of. He studies closely under acclaimed bassist Damian Erskine.BOULEVARDS - New York Cachi Velez (percussion) - A natural to the music, Cachi brings the Latin element to new levels of legitimacy on both the congas and bongos. Jarad Astin (Organ) - Jarad travels with Chris on the road, and supports him when on the East Coast. Also leads the Dirty Boogaloo.C. Group Bios 1. The Funk Revival Orchestra 10-piece congregation brings over two hours of rare, old-school, hard-hitting Funk and Latin Funk, re-creating the slick soulful sound of the 70’s classics in a large band format, with influences from the Niteliters, the JB’s, Ray Barretto, The Soul Searchers, Harvey Averne, The Latin Breed, and many more you don’t realize how much you already dig. www.myspace.com/funkrevivalorchestra
3. Soul Project Progeny to the legacy of the tailor-made funk sound and guitar genius of Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Soul Project is a large family of musicians from New Orleans and New Jersey, who, digging deep into the soulful grooves dug by O.V. Wright and Wilson Pickett,the funky moves of James Brown and Maceo Parker, the old school cool of the Meters and The Neville Brothers, and the feel good fuel of the Crescent City itself, bring New Orleans soul with them wherever they go. www.soulprojectnola.com
4. The Revealers New Orleans' champions to the reggae and original music world, this group has held court for over 10 years. Solidified by the Bad Apples, the Revealers are stalwarts to the Frenchmen St. music scene in New Orleans.
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