Search - Chris Ayer :: Don't Go Back To Sleep

It s not every day that a relatively unknown artist is recognized by the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. In 2006, the Lennon award was given to the Brooklyn, NY-based Chris Ayerin the folk category. The impression left by this achievement has opened many doors for the singer/songwriter whose song Evaporate from his self-released full-length, This Is The Place(2006), was given that particular honor. Yet to pigeonhole this talented musician as a folkie would be way off base. Elements of pop, rock, country and even jazz permeate Chris Ayer s sound.



As he gears up for the August release of his sophomore album Don t Go Back To Sleep, Ayer is hitting the road early to share his knack for great songwriting, where weighty topics take on a light touch, both drawing in and uplifting the listener. The new album, like its predecessor, was produced by Nashville-based Jason Gantt (The Chieftains, Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill).



One of Ayer s personal favorites, The Revealing is inspired equally by his experiences in the music business as by a past relationship. Ayer s musical experiments on Don't Go Back To Sleep compliment his lyrics with sounds and styles that go beyond his familiar territory of folk, pop and rock. The instrumental moment at the end of Awake is reminiscent of the chiming of a Tibetan prayer bowl. The warbling tones of a vintage harmonium tell their own story on The Revealing." And the decidedly un-bluegrass use of the banjo provides a quiet texture on the album's final track, Highway Home."



What Press Saying. . .

URB Magazine . . .He's talented... Bright Eyes mixed with James Taylor in the form of James Dean. . .



Kennebunkport Journal . . .the songs have a familiarity and comfort level that is inviting and compassionate as well as wit and grace . . .



Performing Songwriter Magazine. . . tight arrangements, excellent musicality and imaginative lyrics. If you're looking for great music, this is the album.. .



Kevin Bronson . . . singer-songwriter Chris Ayer gets a lot out of his guy-with-a-guitar aesthetic. his set was highlighted by an acoustic folk cover of OutKast s Hey Ya!