Cover Photo Credit”Chris Rea 03 AB” by Andrzej Barabasz (Chepry) is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Chris Rea is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist. He was born on March 4, 1951, in Middlesbrough, England. Rea is best known for his hit song “Driving Home for Christmas.” He is a Yacht Rock Master for those of you looking for a definition of “Yacht Rock” You could say Yacht Rock is a genre of music that emerged in the mid-1970s and peaked in popularity during the early 1980s. It is characterized by its smooth, mellow sound and often features elements of jazz, funk, and R&B.
What Were The Biggest Songs For Chris Rea?
Chris Rea’s biggest songs include “Fool (If You Think It’s Over)”, “On the Beach”, “Let’s Dance”, “Josephine”, “The Road to Hell (Part 2)”, “Auberge”, “Looking for the Summer”, “Tell Me There’s a Heaven”, and “And You My Love”.
The song “Road to Hell” is about the frustrations of driving on modern highways and the dangers that come with it. The lyrics describe the experience of being stuck in traffic, feeling trapped and helpless, and the constant fear of accidents. The song also touches on the idea that society has become too focused on material possessions and the pursuit of wealth, leading to a loss of humanity and compassion. Overall, “Road to Hell” is a commentary on the negative aspects of modern life and the toll it takes on our mental and emotional well-being. Besides all that it’s a great song to jamalong to on the guitar as it uses a fun to play progression even though some of the chords are dark sounding such as Am and Dm.
Discography of Chris Rea
- Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? (1978)
- Deltics (1979)
- Tennis (1980)
- Chris Rea (1981)
- Water Sign (1983)
- Wired to the Moon (1984)
- Shamrock Diaries (1985)
- On the Beach (1986)
- Dancing with Strangers (1987)
- The Road to Hell (1989)
- Auberge (1991)
- God’s Great Banana Skin (1992)
- Espresso Logic (1993)
- The Blue Cafe (1998)
- King of the Beach (2000)
- Dancing Down the Stony Road (2002)
- Hofner Blue Notes (2003)
- The Road to Hell & Back (2006)
- The Return of the Fabulous Hofner Bluenotes (2008)
- Santo Spirito Blues (2011)
What Guitars Does Chris Rea Play Mostly?
Chris Rea primarily plays a variety of guitars including Fender Stratocasters, Gibson Les Pauls, and Martin acoustics. He has also been known to play a custom-made guitar built by his guitar technician, which features a Fender Stratocaster body and a Gibson Les Paul neck.
What Amps and Pedals Does Chris Rea Use Mostly?
Rea frequently uses a Boss Blues Driver and a Boss DD-3 Digital Delay pedal. Additionally, he uses a Dunlop Cry Baby Wah pedal and a Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner.
“Guitar Street” by Rea was written about a famous street in Seville, Spain called Calle de las Sierpes. The street is known for its numerous guitar shops and is a popular destination for musicians and tourists alike. Rea was inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of the street and its connection to the history and culture of flamenco music. The song captures the energy and passion of the street and its musical heritage.
Did Chris Rea Play With Many Big Bands or Singers?
Chris Rea played with several big bands and singers throughout his career. Some of the notable collaborations include playing guitar for Elton John and performing with Eric Clapton during his 1986 tour. He also worked with David Bowie on the soundtrack for the movie “Labyrinth.” Additionally, Rea has recorded with artists such as Robert Plant, Chaka Khan, and Shirley Bassey.
What Was The Biggest Gig Chris Rea Played At?
Photo by Dutch Simba on Flickr
Chris Rea’s biggest gig was at the 1985 Rockpalast festival in Germany, where he performed in front of a crowd of over 20,000 people.
Why is Chris Rea Considered An Important Guitarist?
Chris Rea is considered an important guitarist due to his unique style and ability to blend various genres. He is known for his distinctive slide guitar playing and has been praised for his use of blues, rock, and jazz influences in his music. Rea has also been recognized for his songwriting skills and has released numerous successful albums throughout his career. Additionally, he has collaborated with other notable musicians and has been influential in the music industry.
How To Play in The Style of Chris Rea
To play guitar in the style of Chris Rea, start by learning basic blues chords and progressions. Practice playing with a slide and focus on creating a smooth, flowing sound. Incorporate elements of jazz and rock into your playing, and experiment with different tempos and rhythms. Pay attention to Rea’s use of dynamics and phrasing, and strive to emulate his soulful, emotive playing style. With dedication and practice, you can develop the skills and techniques necessary to play guitar in the style of Chris Rea. If you would like to know more about playing in the style of Chris Rea have a look at this version of “On the Beach” played by guitarist Paul Wildman of Lockdown licks.
