ALBUM DESCRIPTION Makria is Greek for 'far and beyond'. Much of the album was recorded in Thessaloniki, Greece and London, U.K., weaving Middle Eastern melodies and African rhythms around Sohre's playful blend of eclecticism. She speaks through a myriad of instruments: guitar, piano, accordion, flute, clarinet, harmonium, organ, percussion and vocals, while also sprinkling natural sound effects into some of the themes, inviting you to go on a visual journey through exotic scenery before returning home to an intimate and personal final song. BAND MEMBERS Simon McCarty (percussion), Dimitris Kakos (bass), Nikos Tourbis (drums and percussion) and Carl Dexter (guitar, contrabass and weird effects) form the nucleus around Sohre, with guest musicians, Jim McCarty (The Yardbirds - percussion) and Karen Gheorghiu (Mothers of Invention - English horn) showcased on several cuts. Hurdy gurdy, cello, saz, various world percussion instruments and natural sound effects, such as the popular market in Thessaloniki or thermal hot springs in Langadas, are also woven into the selections.
BIO Many reviewers find it difficult to categorize Sohre's eclectic style, yet some have compared her to artists such as Jane Siberry, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Pink Floyd or Grace Slick.
As producer and engineer, Chris operates her own record label and recording studio, Fleeting Echoes, giving her more freedom and control over the technical environment of artistic endeavours.
She certainly does not fit the 'hey, look at me!' performance artist stereotype, and stands out as something of a pleasant anomaly. Her allure stems from both an open personal and musical style that allows a kind of participatory freedom on the part of fellow musicians and listeners alike. This music is anti-commercialism at its best, and reflects Sohre's willful and sometimes edgy determinism to make music for its own sake, and on her own terms. The result is music with a certain immediacy, intimacy, and often 'other-worldly' quality.
In a live broadcast on ET3 Television (Europe), Chris was recently featured as upcoming new artist. Expressing her desire to play in natural settings, her music has found receptive audiences in the outdoor festival environment.
To hear samples of all songs, go to chrissohre . REVIEWS "Chris Sohre's second album, Makria, is high-Ecto. It's pop with jazz, folk, and classical components, plus a few live-recorded sounds... The CD's cover shot has one of the most spectacular photos of the Parthenon. As with her first CD, there are strong world music influences. You can hear the Middle Eastern textures in many of her songs.
Chris Sohre has a lovely, lush voice. Her style is original... The music, while lyrical,is also complex, with interesting combinations of instruments and non-instrumental sounds. Many of the song's lyrics are poetic, ethereal and make you wonder about the world." [Bill Adler, Adler & Robin Books, Washington D.
C]
"This is a hard one to pin down as far as a description goes. The vocals are ethereal, sometimes lively, sometimes sultry, and the music ranges from pop, ethereal, world, some progressive rock sounds with sometimes elements of all of these within one song... The disc is full of interesting vocals, percussion, accordion, and unpredictable songs. Definitely a disc that comes into more focus the more you listen to it."[Neile Graham, Ectophiles Guide to Good Music]
"... However you wish to view her, she has a refreshing sound that only seems to get better with each listen..." [H. Niemantsverdriet, Dutch Public Radio, Amsterdam, NL]
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