The Hotel Café Hollywood, CA
Contact: Cory Lashever, [email protected]
Web: theofficialchrisroberts.com
Players: Chris Roberts, guitar, vocals; Eli Wulfmeier, guitar; Adam Arcos, bass; Jake Abernathie, keys; and Jason Ganberg, drums
Material: Indie singer-songwriter Chris Roberts celebrated the release of his EP Lost and Found at this show. Blending southern rock, jam band, and straightahead rock & roll, Roberts offered a collection of original compositions, including an impressive interpretation of the classic song “Chevy Van,” Reminiscent of the ‘70s sound of the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Marshall Tucker Band, Roberts has successfully created a signature sound, which he describes as “making rock & roll, hippie, country magic.”
Musicianship: Forced to abruptly end his Texas concert tour in March of 2020 due to the pandemic, Roberts and his band headed to the California desert where they self-quarantined, wrote songs, and recorded in a state of the art studio. “The pandemic brought us closer together as a band,” says Roberts. “We got to know each other better. They were kind of hired guns, but then it became more of a band.”
Performance: Making his Los Angles debut, Roberts performed an impressive hour-long set featuring songs from the new EP. For a band that has only been together for a year the chemistry on stage gave the impression that they have been performing together for years. Flawless musicianship and Roberts powerful vocals and command as a frontman made for a memorable performance. Every song was followed by thunderous applause, whistles, and cheers from an enthusiastic audience that chanted “One more song,” following the band's final selection of the night. Stand-outs included, “Mr. Reaper,” “Lost and Found,” “Get Down,” Hate When You’re Gone,” “Gold Dust, and “Chevy Van.”
Summary: Based on this performance there was no question that the creative energy captured in the recording studio transferred to the concert stage. Armed with an EP that will undoubtedly win over new fans, Roberts is poised to solidify his standing as an artist destined for success.
