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BOOKINGS: Christine Albert
albgage@austin.rr.com 512-707-1720 FAX: 512-707-1763
Albert and Gage Artist
Bio
In Austin, Texas—a town overflowing with gifted singer/songwriters and
guitar players—Christine Albert & Chris Gage have a twelve year track record
of making beautiful music together, although both musicians' individual
pedigrees are far more extensive. Over the course of six duet albums, the
duo has demonstrated that disparate backgrounds do not preclude musical soul
mates from finding one another.
The
Houston Press noted, “From George Jones and Tammy Wynette to Richard and
Linda Thompson, male-female duets are one of popular music's most delightful
permutations. And the Austin-based duo of Christine Albert and Chris Gage
easily slot right in with the best.”
Onstage,
Albert's slender, dark beauty contrasts strikingly with Gage's craggy good
looks and how gracefully they complement each other is easily apparent. In
2003 Albert and Gage released their first live recording, Albert and Gage
at Anderson Fair. Dirty Linen commented that the set, which is
reflective of their typical live performances, had “energy, humor, really
fine duet singing, strong leads, original harmonies, a strong sense of
partnership, personality, and musicality” and Sing Out! called it “a
cohesive and exciting exploration of the roots of popular, mostly American,
music”.
When
asked about her partnership with Chris Gage, Christine said, “Musically, I
like to go in lots of different directions”—from country songs to French
chansons—“and Chris goes right along with me. It's not just that he plays
bluegrass or folk or blues, but that he plays it all with so much integrity
and soul.”
“After
being a sideman for several years I was ready to start my own band again,”
recalls Gage. “I wasn't sure exactly how that would manifest, and then I
met Christine. What we brought out in each other was magical.”
Gage is a
journeyman musician and South Dakota native who literally began touring in a
station wagon at age 15. In the mid-Seventies and early Eighties he led the
popular midwestern country-swing Red Willow Band, and from there graduated
to an eight-year tenure on piano with guitar virtuoso and country star Roy
Clark. After moving to Austin in 1991, Gage began commuting to San Antonio
to take the reins as musical director for the Fiesta Texas theme park.
But it
was during (and following) his next incarnation, as bandleader for West
Texas alt.-country singer/songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore, that he began to
carve out his own place in the Austin scene as an in-demand session player,
accompanist and producer. It was with Gilmore that Christine first heard
Chris play and in 1997 Albert & Gage was formed. The duo later toured as an
opening act for Gilmore and as members of his ensemble.
Christine cut her musical teeth in
northern New Mexico, in the chic environs of Santa Fe and in the
rough-and-tumble biker bars out along the Turquoise Trail, after moving west
from her childhood home in upstate New York. Along with old friend and
fellow New Mexico chanteuse Eliza Gilkyson (whom she also cites as an early
influence and inspiration), Albert relocated to Austin in 1982 and began to
distinguish herself as a singer-songwriter in a town where the bar for such
artists is set very high indeed.
Christine
Albert's French grandmother lived in Paris and her mother was born in
Switzerland, so perhaps it's inevitable that the occasional Edith Piaf song
migrates into her sets of original material and carefully chosen covers.
She has recorded a series of acclaimed albums of lovely Franco-Lone Star
fusion - Texafrance (1992), Texafrance-Encore (2003) and Paris,
Texafrance (2008).
Christine
released several other solo albums during the years before she met Chris,
and had established a solid name on the Texas scene. In 1996, she was voted
Female Vocalist of the Year in the Kerrville Music Awards poll associated
with the prestigious festival, and she has appeared on Austin City Limits,
both with Gilkyson and on her own show. A longtime community activist,
Albert is also known for her work on behalf of survivors of sexual assault
and is cofounder/president of “Swan Songs”, a non-profit that fulfills
musical last wishes by organizing private concerts for individuals with a
terminal illness. Ms. Albert also currently serves as a Trustee on the
National Board of Trustees of The Recording Academy.
With the exception of 1997’s Jumpin’ Tracks, Albert and
Gage’s albums have been recorded at their own MoonHouse Studio (which moved
to a commercial location in 2007) and released on the artist owned MoonHouse
Records. Chris maintains a busy studio schedule and over the years they
have expanded MoonHouse Records with Gage productions by fellow Austinites
Cowboy Johnson and Michael Austin, as well as Americana singer/songwriter
Abi Tapia.
The duo’s
most recent CD, Dakota Lullaby(2009), features twelve songs by an
unheralded songwriter from South Dakota – Tom Peterson; it’s a marriage of
great songs with just the right voices.
Christine
Albert and Chris Gage are well respected, seasoned music business veterans,
but the joy they experience making music together is fresh and infectious.
“They can rock, boogie, swing, trot down country roads and stride down
sophisticated boulevards and make it all sound as it should: like parts of a
unified whole rather than a mishmash of different styles. Albert and Gage
have global class, musicality and charm.” (Houston Press) You can’t ask for
more than that.
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Christine Albert..."has it all: charm,
authenticity, good material, true humility, beauty, talent, sex appeal, intelligence and
on and on. A real class act."
Austin Chronicle / Austin, Texas
christinealbert.com
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Chris Gage is a "...songwriter, singer, dobro player,
ace guitarist, keyboard player, mandolin picker, and a generally electric powerhouse with
inspiration to spare." Sweet Potato / Minneapolis, Minnesota
chrisgage.biz
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Christine Albert
has released four independent
albums including the "TEXAFRANCE" trilogy,
bilingual tributes to her European heritage and love of the French chanson.
Her 1995 CD,
"Underneath The Lone Star Sky" on Antone's/dos Records, climbed into the top
twenty on the national Americana radio chart. She has appeared on Austin City Limits and
The Texas Connection, written and performed her own "Don't Mess With Texas" ad
and was featured in the popular Bluebell Ice Cream television commercial.
In 1996
Christine was voted female vocalist of the year at the Kerrville Music Awards. Originally
from upstate New York and later Santa Fe, New Mexico, Christine moved to Austin, Texas in
1982. A committed community activist, she was co-founder of the Austin Songwriters Group
and has served on the board of NARAS and The Austin Rape Crisis Center.
Through her work on behalf of fellow
sexual assault survivors, she has been a spokesperson
for SafePlace and produced three successful fundraising concerts for the
organization.
Christine is cofounder/president of “Swan Songs”, a non-profit
that fulfills musical last wishes by organizing private concerts
for individuals with a terminal illness. Ms. Albert also
currently serves as a Trustee on the National Board of Trustees
of The Recording Academy.
christinealbert.com
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Chris Gage
is a consummate musician, singing with
strength and conviction while masterfully sparking the duo with hot guitar, piano and
accordion. Originally from South Dakota, Chris was the founding member of the still
beloved 1970’s Midwest country swing band, Red Willow Band.
After releasing two
albums with Red Willow Band, he embarked on a lengthy stint as a sideman, moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma to
play piano with Roy Clark for eight years, appearing on The Tonight Show (Johnny Carson)
and Hee Haw, as well as accompanying Clark on a 1988 tour of the Soviet Union.
Gage moved to Austin in the early 90’s, and
after a brief theme park stint as musical director became
band leader for Jimmie Dale Gilmore (playing guitar and piano) for three years, with
performances on The Tonight Show (Jay Leno), Conan O’Brien, and at such esteemed
venues as Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall.
An in-demand studio musician and
producer, Gage produces the recordings of Albert and Gage as well as other artists,
plays lead guitar with Texas legend Jerry Jeff Walker and hosts a popular
Monday night hang at Donn's Depot in Austin, Texas.
chrisgage.biz
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Burnin' Moonlight:
"Christine Albert and Chris Gage demonstrate
the art of good album making so effortlessly on Burnin' Moonlight, it's a lesson to
remember."
Margaret Moser, The Austin Chronicle ****
Here's a couple unashamedly in love with their material, and the
enthusiasm can't help but rub off on listeners.
Michael Corcoran, Austin American Statesman ***
"When I sat down to listen to
‘Burnin’ Moonlight’ the first thing that came to my mind was that Albert
and Gage sing their songs from the heart. Pure and simple, straight from the
heart of Texas."
J.D. Rose, Program Director KFAN Radio, Fredericksburg, TX
Always interesting
harmonies, inventive musicianship, and thoughtful writing, sparked with a dash of fun,
make this one worth investigation for acoustic music and singer/songwriter fans.
Dirty Linen (December 2001)
click here for complete burnin' moonlight
reviews
Jumpin' Tracks:
"Jumpin' Tracks... is one the best local
releases of the year"
Michael Corcoran, Austin American Statesman
"Albert and Gage comprise one of the smartest local
pairings on record"
Christopher Hess.....Austin Chronicle
"Together, they're electrifying."
John Conquest...Third Coast Music
click here for
complete jumpin' tracks reviews
TexaFrance-Encore!
***
It's no coincidence this
album came out around Valentine's Day, because its beauty is not just in
the music, but in its sheer romantic atmosphere, the kind you need no
partner to enjoy.
Austin Chronicle,
February 21, 2003 by Margaret Moser
A sequel to Albert’s 1992 release,
TexaFrance,
TexaFrance-Encore! is a musical and romantic tribute to Christine
Albert’s and Chris Gage’s sizeable and truly enjoyable talent.
New Texas Magazine, February 2003
by Lynne Thompson
_______________________________________________________________________
Promoters say......
"What a fantastic time everyone had at
our recent house concert with Albert and Gage. Christine's exquisite voice,
coupled with Chris' masterful guitar playing, left everyone breathless. Their
harmonies made the rafters in our home ring like never before. On top of it all,
their song selection, a mixture of originals and well-chosen covers, included something
for everyone. A night that we, and our guests, will never forget!"
Arlene and Mark Klemow
/ Split Level House Concerts Scotch
Plains, NJ July, 2001
"Albert and Gage drew a record crowd
to our acoustic concert series, and proceeded to put on a high-voltage, crowd-pleasing
performance. Country, rock, blues, folk, French torch - it didn't matter. They nailed 'em
all. Christine Albert alone is a singer-songwriter of no small talent - just look at the
awards she's earned. Put her together with Chris Gage - a powerhouse in his own right -
and you have a duo that's just about unstoppable! I can't speak for Chris - I didn't know
him beforehand - but I've been watching Christine's musical evolution over the past five
years, and teaming up with Chris has highlighted her already-considerable talent. You
can't go wrong with a pair of aces like these."
Bill James
/ Belton Texas Acoustic Concert
Series
"Albert and Gage are individually
very talented singer songwriters and together they are a power house of folk rock. Our
audience was amazed at the talent. Christine Albert and Chris Gage are not to be
missed. The house rocked...and the piano is still smoking. They'll rock you, soothe
you and make you want for more."
Glen Duckett
/ "Flowers in the
Desert" - House Concerts, Brenham, Texas.
A blend of voices equals one soulful show.
This folk/country duo have created a harmonic sound
with original and compelling performances that are hard to match.
Chris Gage and Christine Albert are an electrifying pair who offer a range
of music from country and folk to rock and the blues. employing a
bouquet of instruments - from pianos to acoustic guitars - the duo leave show goers
rocking one minute, then sitting back and taking it easy the next. The Austin-based
singer-songwriters (who are a couple both on and off the stage) are often compared
to other primo country pairs such as George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Albert and Gage have a portfolio of awards and a resume filled with media
appearances and tours.
Lindsey Rausch
From George Jones and Tammy Wynette
to Richard and Linda Thompson, male-female duets are one of popular music's most
delightful permutations. And the Austin-based duo of Christine Albert & Chris Gage
easily slot right in with the best. Their vocals intertwine like two passionate lovers -
the two are a couple offstage as well - and their performances are an upbeat celebration
of songs and the art of singing them. Albert's honey-drenched voice is one of the best in
Austin, gracing everything from a CD-length salute to her Swiss-French roots to
Bluebell
Ice Cream ads. The South Dakota-bred Gage is a multi-instrumental wizard who has played
with Roy Clark and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and his rich tenor complements Albert's voice like
a graceful bow. Their two CDs and stage shows include everything from memorable originals
to choice cover material. An evening with the two is a fun and heartwarming experience in
which music truly is the food of love.
Rob
Patterson / Houston Press by
(October, 2001) |
main booking contact:
CHRISTINE ALBERT
(512) 707-1720
FAX (512) 707-1763
P.O. Box 41021
Austin TX 78704
albgage@austin.rr.com |
main studio and CD contact:
CHRIS GAGE
(512) 707-8341
FAX (512) 707-1763
P.O. Box 41021
Austin TX 78704
moonhouse@austin.rr.com |
In Europe:
KARL HEINZ SIBER
Medien-Agentur
Hohwiesenstrasse 1
D-74343 Sachsenheim, Germany
Telephone +49-7147-12399
Telefax +49-7147-8732
khsiber@tesionmail.de |
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