Chris Bannister-The music of John Denver

RECENT INTERVIEW

Where are you based?

I am based in a small village called Tarleton which is located between Southport and Preston.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Wigan, Lancashire during the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. It was a pretty basic early start, but a happy one.

Have you always been musical, did you start singing as a child?

Yes I did. I always had music running through my head as a child and, like a lot of singers, I was in a choir.

How would you describe your music style?

My own music is kind of country rock. I have my own six piece band, Chris Bannister and the Lost Angels, and when we get rocking we have a sound reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen or maybe early Billy Joel or Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.

When I am performing the John Denver show I try to stay as close as possible to the original while staying true to my own singing style as much as I can.

Is music a full time job for you?

Yes, it is. I have been a pro for well over 20 years now, performing many years ago in the band Johnny and the Fox, and locally in a duo called Crash.

Do you write your own songs?

I do write my own songs. I have had three albums of my own music released to date, and am currently working on new material for a fourth.

Which song has the most meaning for you and why?

The John Denver song with the most meaning for me is probably “Annie’s Song”. It’s a classic love song but has the twist of a man trying to recapture what his relationship has lost, very sad in a way.

Of my own songs I'm very fond of a song called Hallelujah Anyway from the October Already album.