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Chris Forte (Guitar)
Groove guitarist Chris Forte is a man of many talents. As a musician, Chris is best known for his eight years as co-leader, songwriter and guitarist for the band Soul Farmer, which recorded a CD and performed original music in major Chicago venues such as The Metro, Double Door, Cubby Bear and Lounge Ax, from 1990 - 1998. He also performed and recorded with the Roosevelt University Jazz Band for three years, which won top honors at the 1998 Elmhurst Jazz Festival. For two years, the versatile guitarist performed and recorded with blues singer J.C. Clemens and co-wrote songs for her CD.
Chris has a theatrical side, as well. Since 1994, he's performed on stage for the long- running play, Tony & Tina's Wedding, with the Donny Dolce & Fusion band. He also wrote, sang and performed original comedy/minstrel songs on several Jenny Jones Show episodes.
A child prodigy who learned classical piano at age 7, Chris has won many awards and honors throughout his career, recently placing fifth out of 150 contestants in the Chicago's Finest Fingers competition, sponsored by Gand Music & Sound, Gibson Guitars and Guitar Magazine. Chris earned his Bachelor's of Music from Roosevelt University in '98 and toured Europe with international singers Bridge and Alessandra Fazio that same year. He has shared stages and bills with: Melvin Taylor, Bill Dickens, Lonnie Mack, Lonnie Brooks, Duke Robillard, Rare Earth, Savoy Brown, George Clinton, and others.
Most recently, Chris was awarded the Albert King Award for Most Promising Guitar Player at the International Blues Challenge 2000, sponsored by The Blues Foundation.
Band Bios:
Rick Perkins (Keyboards)
Sam Cockrell (Bass, Vocals)
Chris Forte (Guitar)
Rob Davis (Drums)
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