Chris with Michael Ver Steegt
Chris and Michael have roots going back many years to when they were both living in San Francisco. Michael is a skilled sound designer and keyboard player, in addition to keeping busy with his main gig as FOH for MIchael Franti and Spearhead. That gig keeps MVS traveling a good part of the year. He still finds time to make music and he will be appearing on Chris' next solo CD. You can follow his travels at MySpace (subscribe to his blog!) and hear other work he's done there as well.
http://www.myspace.com/versacesound
Chris with MJCatalin
Artists and lovers will always disregard borders, and the new album "Stratagem", from American ambient producer and guitarist Chris Bocast and Romanian percussionist and sound designer Catalin Pintea (MJCatalin), is an intriguing demonstration of the possibilities available to today’s musicians willing to exploit the information revolution. Catalin initiated contact with Chris in 2006 through iSound.com, one of many musician-oriented sites on the web, expressing interest in his solo work. After listening to Catalin’s music, Chris suggested collaborating. The results were so promising in their approach to texture and space that a professional release was deemed necessary. For the next year or two, tracks were traded back and forth from Bucharest, Romania, where Catalin lives, to the high country of Colorado, where Chris was busy with music production work. Eventually they crafted a masterwork of sonic energy and creativity, combining ambient guitar with Euro-beats in a unique collection of compelling instrumentals. As both Chris and Catalin are accomplished players as well as skilled recording artists, "Stratagem" consistently evokes an organic sensibility that can be elusive in electronic music, and does so in a memorable and melodic way. All parts are performed by the artists, with the exception of “Detector”, where guest star Dave Shul (guitarist for San Francisco’s Michael Franti and Spearhead) provides some driving guitar in his own signature style. Another Bay Area connection is the striking packaging created by noted S. F. artist John Hundt, who also did the art for the amazing "Through the Airlock" cover. Chris Bocast and MJCatalin’s "Stratagem" is a significant release for them and holds promise for great music still to come.
http://www.myspace.com/myspacecommjc