Move to NY
Timbers moved to New York where he continued to hone his unique style and technique. He became a favorite in the Brooklyn music scene and sat as a session guitarist on several hip hop records. But when alcohol, drugs, and some bad decisions caught up with him, life took a hard turn, Timbers had to halt his accelerating career and spend some years away in a federal detention facility. This time allowed him to realize his need for self-reinvention and he began to focus on the positives, while using his past as motivation to propel him and his career forward.
“I remember walking out onto the prison yard and into the recreation center for the first time,” recounts Timbers. “I saw a room full of acoustic guitars and right next to that was a room with drums, guitar amps, mics, and a PA system. I thought to myself right then and there; ‘I CAN DO THIS!’.”
In the midst of tremendous loss and heartache, Chris knew that things had to change. He disconnected from the life he had known and connected with his Native American heritage for the first time. This led to a spiritual awakening that resulted in him writing a book of poems and another book of songs. He spent hours practicing and giving private concerts, which kept him motivated and focused.
Return to Virginia
When Timbers returned to Virginia, he had a renewed sense of purpose and direction. After reconnecting with bass player Mike Echols, whom Timbers credits for a huge part of his newfound success, the singer/songwriter formed the Chris Timbers Band.
Chris calls his unique combination of country, contemporary jazz, blues, and rock: “alternative soul”. Listeners hear hints of Stevie Ray Vaughn through the rhythm of blues, the lyrics of soul, the melodies of country, and some good old-fashioned rock ‘n roll.
Now ready to release his latest piece of work, Virginia, a 5 song EP led by the first single, “Here’s to You”, Chris is excited to write the next chapter in his story. Co-Produced by Mikal Blue (OneRepublic, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat) and Dean Dinning (Bassist in Toad the Wet Sprocket), the new material showcases Timber’s creative evolution as an artist. Both industry vets also perform on the new EP, Mikal on guitar and Dean on Bass, Piano and background vocals, adding to the depth of sound.
Additional talent includes Gregg Bissonette on Drums (David Lee Roth), Jonathan Smith on Drums (Here’s to You & Shall it Be), Aliza Hava with Background Vocals, Eli Gonzalex on Sax, and Amy McCabe on Trumpet.
Lookout for the first single, “Here’s to You”, on all streaming outlets on September 27th, and the full EP in late ‘24!