His music has given gravity to daytime dramas, triumph to Olympic athletes, and joy to Miss Universe pageant contestants. On July 10, Chris Spheeris’ music will give money to animals, when he comes to Roblar Winery as part of a benefit for the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society.
Spheeris combines influences from classic composers like Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy with inspiration from the Beatles, Cat Stevens, James Taylor, and his cousin, musician Jimmie Spheeris.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisc., Spheeris spent his summers in Greece, the land of his heritage, and credits his bicultural childhood as another major influence on his music.
Early in his career, Spheeris spent six years as a singer/songwriter with his childhood friend, Paul Voudouris. During that time, he took notice of music by Vangelis, Brian Eno, Talking Heads, and Kraftwerk. At the conclusion of their working relationship, Spheeris started a small studio and began experimenting with the electronic music emerging from the early ’80s.
When his music was recognized by a major recording label it was tagged as “new age”—a category that Spheeris doesn’t necessarily agree with. His music had a somewhat ethereal quality. It was electronic with a harmonic, melodic structure that sounded European, he said.
“So at the time, anything that sounded pretty or ethereal, they labeled it ‘new age,’” he explained.
Though his instrumentals may boast a European flavor, his singing and lyrics are much more influenced by Western culture.
Spheeris’ music has been featured on daytime dramas and NPR, in addition to having been a staple in the new age and smooth jazz radio formats. It’s also been featured in the Olympics, in soap operas, at world skating championships, in commercials, and behind countless documentaries, for which he received an Emmy.
He called his music cross-cultural and romantic, which he said is music that speaks to the heart directly.
“Rhythmic music you experience in your body; intellectual music you experience in your mind,” he said. “Romantic music is music that speaks to your heart. And Greek culture is so romantic, I can’t get away from it.”
His performances are intimate, and Spheeris tries to connect with audiences through wit and insight. Concert attendees can expect a world flavor to the performance, with a few exotic songs that make use of Middle Eastern instruments. Spheeris will even sing one song in Greek.
Early this millennium, after nearly two decades of recording, Spheeris backtracked a bit and decided to center himself and focus on his inner self.
“Being a somewhat public figure, I was accustomed to people treating me as Chris Spheeris the musician, and I need to be Chris Spheeris the person,” he said. “I need to live as a person.”
During his time of discovery, he explored a variety of interests, such as photography and poetry. His photography captures the beauty of Greece, the sleek lines of classic cars, and the complexity of flowers and cacti. His poetry is an expression of his search for meaning and understanding.
Out of this search came his Emmy, a book of poetry, and a repertoire of songs that he’s since been performing. Most recently, he released the CD Bridge, a live recording of seven original vocals, three of his classics, and the Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood.”
Other works in progress include combining his visual images with his music and finding ways to make his live performances deeper, more intimate, and touching.
His performances are rare, however. Spheeris said he may perform only once or twice a month, but sometimes only gives 15 to 20 performances a year—mostly because, as an instrumentalist, his music requires several different instruments and players. The production is too large for the type of intimate setting Spheeris enjoys.
He explained that the limited performance schedule is also because he likes to keep it fresh.
“Touring requires a lot of focus,” he said. “I like to keep my concerts a special thing instead of another gig. It makes it, for me, more exciting, and I like to think it makes it more exciting for the audience.”
Arts Editor Shelly Cone keeps things so fresh she sometimes loses focus. Help her get centered at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 2-9, 2009.