www.chrishoughband.com Chris comes from a long line of musicians. Chris’ strongest influence came from his mother who encouraged him to follow his dream in becoming a musician. Being a musician and vocalist herself and a music teacher of many years, and eventually becoming head of the music department for the Greenwich Connecticut Public Schools, she was in a perfect place to encourage him. She encouraged Chris to attend a Berklee College of Music Summer Program which eventually led to his obtaining a degree from Berklee in professional music. After graduating from Berklee College of Music Chris played for 20 years in the Boston area with the Winiker Band - The Boston Globe called the Winikers "Boston’s House Band."
Some events Chris has performed include President Clinton’s Presidential Inaugural Ball, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Ballet, Harvard University, and some venues such as The Wang Center, Boston’s Regatta Bar, The Parker House Hotel, Zanzibar, and The Colonnade. Chris gained his vast repertoire playing countless events on the East Coast. Chris relocated to the Salt Lake area where he was embraced and quickly earned a reputation as one of the area’s finest guitarists. Some past performances in Salt Lake City have been The 2008 Utah Arts Festival, The Gateway Concert Series, Little Shop of Horrors at the Capital Theater, The Grand America, and Zanzibar, to name a few. Relocating to the Salt Lake area for Chris was a process of energizing and sparking new creativity and drive into a life that had become too comfortable, too predictable. A difficult decision that led to new possibilities, and the composition of a long overdue original jazz CD “Turn For The West.”
For fans of jazz guitar, Chris’ remarkable all original CD “Turn For The West” has introduced a new and talented voice. If you’re not yet at fan of jazz guitar, don’t worry - Chris’ warm, inviting sound will welcome you into the fold! Chris has struck a rare and delicate balance. His ten original and harmonically complex jazz compositions will enthrall the seasoned jazz aficionado, yet will be accessible and lovely to people who didn’t even know they liked jazz.” Bill Winiker, Jazz Historian Marie Lawlor, Jazz Disc Jockey Boston, Massachusetts May 30, 2008 Chris has a sound that is "retro-fresh."
While many of his compositions are challenging technically to play, he gives the audience something to hold on to with his clean sound that soothes, relaxes, excites and, best of all, stays with you. His grit and energy from a musical road well traveled translate well to the audience. And if you ask him why he doesn’t use effects, he’ll say, "If you can make good music, play well, and have a good sounding guitar, what more do you need?"
Click Here for Videos of Chris: 2008 Utah Arts Festival / Reckless Recluse Song Demo