Chris Forte
Chicago - Illinois - United States
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About the Band
Chris Forte is a performing and touring guitarist based out of the Chicago area. 2021 has been a busy year for Chris, as the musical endeavors continue to pile up. He is set to release an album in October titled, Backyard Astronomy, featuring 14 tracks of newly recorded music. Chris continues to work with SoundTracks of a Generation as musical director and performer in multiple tribute shows. As well, in November and December, Chris will be on tour performing with Mannheim Steamroller's 2021 Christmas tour.
Always a prolific musician, Chris has played almost every type of gig or venue available to a working guitarist in his diverse career spanning over the last 25 years. From Television to Radio, Jazz or Pop, Acoustic or Electric, Originals to Musicals, Live and Studio, performing in 28 states and 5 countries, leaving no stone unturned as he continues to blaze his own trail on the national music scene.
Chris first picked up guitar at the age of 16 and was playing in bars throughout Chicago by age 19. Landing a full-time gig playing in Tony & Tina's Wedding in Chicago at age 22, Chris learned quickly how to perform 6-8 shows a week as a professional and has never looked back since.
A formally trained musician as well, Chris received a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies in 1998 from Roosevelt University and was able to play professionally while he was a music student. Maintaining a presence in Chicago's original music scene in the 1990's, Chris attracted producers from the Jenny Jones Show leading to a recurring on-screen role for Chris.
In the early 2000's Chris played extensively throughout the Blues scene in Chicago, landing a full-time gig with Sam Cockrell & The Groove. With Sam, Chris recorded 2 albums including the 2002 album, Colorblind, which featured The Memphis Horns performing on one of Chris' own compositions titled Tryin' To Get Over Using You. It was also with this band that Chris was awarded the Albert King Award for his extraordinary guitar work.
In 2004, Chris released his own original Blues-Rock album, Soul Farmer, and had his song The Tomahawk featured on episode 206 of ABC TV's show Shark Tank.
Chris also leads his own band called The Forte Band, performing at corporate events and weddings. And he has been teaching at Columbia College Chicago in the Music Department for over 15 years, teaching Guitar Techniques and directing Guitar Ensembles.
In addition to his musical undertakings and achievements, Chris is a devoted family man, married for over 15 years to his wife, Kristin, with 2 beautiful children that he considers his greatest life accomplishments.
Chris' upcoming CD, titled Backyard Astronomy is due to be released in October 2021. With 11 instrumental tracks and 3 vocal tracks, this album will be Chris' most diverse to date. With 15 musicians and singers involved, the album was recorded at various studios and at Chris' home during the last year plus in quarantine.
Discography
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Backyard Astronomy
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