Hans Christian
Encyclopedia
Hans Christian is a German
-born musician and producer now based in the U.S.
in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
. Christian is a multi-instrumentalist
(often bass guitar
, cello
, nyckelharpa
, and sarangi
, but also balalaika
, banjo
, santoor
, sitar
, tambura
, etc.) usually associated with Indian world music
, ethnic fusion
, chamber jazz
, and sometimes New Age music
, but who also plays classical music
. His production work includes projects in a range of genres, from classical to Bluegrass, Folk, Rock, and Devotional Chants. He operates a recording studio in Sturgeon Bay, WI called STUDIO 330 and a record label named Allemande Music.
Since his 1994 debut album, Christian has recorded seven solo albums, plus six albums as part of the duo Rasa. Formerly a session musician in Los Angeles in the 1980s, he also collaborated since the 1990s as a guest musician on albums from prominent artists such as experimental pop band Amoeba
, alternative world band Vas
, singer Krishna Das, and ambient musician Robert Rich
. Christian also did technical work (producer, engineer, mastering) for artists such as Jai Uttal
, Ancient Future, Habib Khan, Silvia Nakkach, Dr. Jeffrey D. Thompson, Suzanne Teng, etc.
On October 2009, Hans was interviewed at KFAI
radio's Sangam program in Minnesota. It is about the formation of RASA, Arati, and the journey with devotional music.
Guest performances include:
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
-born musician and producer now based in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Sturgeon Bay is a city in and the county seat of Door County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 9,437 at the 2000 census. It is located at the natural end of Sturgeon Bay, although the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal was built across the remainder of the Door Peninsula.-Geography:Sturgeon Bay is...
. Christian is a multi-instrumentalist
Multi-instrumentalist
A multi-instrumentalist is a musician who plays a number of different instruments.The Bachelor of Music degree usually requires a second instrument to be learned , but people who double on another instrument are not usually seen as multi-instrumentalists.-Classical music:Music written for Symphony...
(often bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, cello
Cello
The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
, nyckelharpa
Nyckelharpa
A nyckelharpa , sometimes called a keyed fiddle, is a traditional Swedish musical instrument. It is a string instrument or chordophone. Its keys are attached to tangents which, when a key is depressed, serve as frets to change the pitch of the string.The nyckelharpa is similar in appearance to a...
, and sarangi
Sarangi
The Sārangī is a bowed, short-necked string instrument of India which is originated from Rajasthani folk instruments. It plays an important role in India's Hindustani classical music tradition...
, but also balalaika
Balalaika
The balalaika is a stringed musical instrument popular in Russia, with a characteristic triangular body and three strings.The balalaika family of instruments includes instruments of various sizes, from the highest-pitched to the lowest, the prima balalaika, secunda balalaika, alto balalaika, bass...
, banjo
Banjo
In the 1830s Sweeney became the first white man to play the banjo on stage. His version of the instrument replaced the gourd with a drum-like sound box and included four full-length strings alongside a short fifth-string. There is no proof, however, that Sweeney invented either innovation. This new...
, santoor
Santoor
The santoor is an ancient stringed musical instrument, native to Kashmir and Iran. It is a trapezoid-shaped hammered dulcimer often made of walnut, with seventy two strings. The special-shaped mallets are lightweight and are held between the index and middle fingers...
, sitar
Sitar
The 'Tablaman' is a plucked stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music, where it has been ubiquitous since the Middle Ages...
, tambura
Tambura
The tambura, tanpura, or tambora is a long-necked plucked lute . The body shape of the tambura somewhat resembles that of the sitar, but it has no frets – only the open strings are played to accompany other musicians...
, etc.) usually associated with Indian world music
World music
World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...
, ethnic fusion
Fusion (music)
A fusion genre is music that combines two or more styles. For example, rock and roll originally developed as a fusion of blues, gospel and country music. The main characteristics of fusion genres are variations in tempo, rhythm, i a sometimes the use of long musical "journeys" that can be divided...
, chamber jazz
Chamber jazz
Chamber jazz is a genre of jazz based around small, acoustic-based ensembles where group interplay is important. It is influenced aesthetically by musical neoclassicism and is often influenced by classical forms of non-Western music. That stated in many cases the influence is traditional Celtic...
, and sometimes New Age music
New Age music
New Age music is music of various styles intended to create artistic inspiration, relaxation, and optimism. It is used by listeners for yoga, massage, meditation, and reading as a method of stress management or to create a peaceful atmosphere in their home or other environments, and is often...
, but who also plays classical music
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
. His production work includes projects in a range of genres, from classical to Bluegrass, Folk, Rock, and Devotional Chants. He operates a recording studio in Sturgeon Bay, WI called STUDIO 330 and a record label named Allemande Music.
Since his 1994 debut album, Christian has recorded seven solo albums, plus six albums as part of the duo Rasa. Formerly a session musician in Los Angeles in the 1980s, he also collaborated since the 1990s as a guest musician on albums from prominent artists such as experimental pop band Amoeba
Amoeba (band)
Amoeba is an experimental music group that fuses the pop and ambient music genres. They formed in California, USA in 1992. The core members of the group are ambient musician Robert Rich and guitarist/bassist Rick Davies....
, alternative world band Vas
Vas (band)
Vas was an alternative world musical group composed of Persian vocalist Azam Ali and American percussionist Greg Ellis. Vas is frequently compared to the Australian band Dead Can Dance. The band released four full-length albums, and both artists have released a few solo albums and participated in...
, singer Krishna Das, and ambient musician Robert Rich
Robert Rich (musician)
Robert Rich is an ambient musician and composer based in California, United States. With a discography spanning over 30 years, he is widely regarded as a figure whose sound has greatly influenced today's ambient, New Age, and even IDM music.-Early life:At an early age he thought he disliked music...
. Christian also did technical work (producer, engineer, mastering) for artists such as Jai Uttal
Jai Uttal
Jai Uttal is an American musician and singer-songwriter born in New York City. Often performing with his "Pagan Love Orchestra," Jai's music is influenced by his R&B roots of the 1960s and '70s and by traditional Indian music, which he first became familiar with at age 19.When he was 19, Jai moved...
, Ancient Future, Habib Khan, Silvia Nakkach, Dr. Jeffrey D. Thompson, Suzanne Teng, etc.
On October 2009, Hans was interviewed at KFAI
KFAI
KFAI is a community radio station in Minnesota. The station broadcasts a wide variety of music, and also airs programming catering to many of the diverse ethnic groups of the region...
radio's Sangam program in Minnesota. It is about the formation of RASA, Arati, and the journey with devotional music.
Solo albums
- 1994: Phantoms (Paraiso)
- 1996: Surrender (Allemande Music Publishing)
- 2004: Light & Spirit (New Earth RecordsNew Earth RecordsNew Earth Records is an independent record label focusing primarily on New Age Music and World Music. It was founded in 1990 in Munich, Germany, by European entrepreneurs Bhikkhu Schober and Waduda Paradiso under the auspices of the spiritual teacher known as Osho...
) - 2007: Cinema of Dreams (Allemande Music Publishing
- 2008: Sancta Camisia: Cello Improvisations at Chartres Cathedral (Allemande Music)
- 2010: Undefended Heart: Live Cello Improvisations with loops (Allemande Music)
- 2011: All Is WellAll Is WellAll Is Well may refer to:* All Is Well , an EP by Clay Aiken* All Is Well * "All Is Well" or "Come, Come, Ye Saints", an 1846 Latter-day Saints hymn by William Clayton* "All Is Well", a song by Chicago from Chicago V...
: Live Cello improvisations with loops (Allemande Music)
Collaboration albums
Music sessions include:- 1987: Robbie RobertsonRobbie Robertson (album)Robbie Robertson is the self-titled solo debut by Robbie Robertson, released in 1987. The album won the Juno Award for "Album of the Year", and producers Lanois and Robertson won the "Producer of the Year" Juno award, both in 1989 as there were no Juno Awards held in 1988.The album is notable for...
(bass guitar for Robbie RobertsonRobbie RobertsonRobbie Robertson, OC; is a Canadian singer-songwriter, and guitarist. He is best known for his membership as the guitarist and primary songwriter within The Band. He was ranked 59th in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time...
) - 1987: So Rebellious a Lover (cello for Gene ClarkGene ClarkGene Clark, born Harold Eugene Clark was an American singer-songwriter, and one of the founding members of the folk-rock group The Byrds....
& Carla Olson) - 1987: Happy Come Home (Victoria Williams album) (cello for Victoria WilliamsVictoria WilliamsVictoria Williams is an American singer-songwriter and musician, originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, although she has resided in Southern California throughout her musical career. She is noted for her descriptive songwriting talent, which she has used to immerse the listener of her songs into a...
) - 1988: UnionUnion (Toni Childs album)Union is the debut album of the American singer/songwriter Toni Childs. Released in 1988, the album peaked at #63 in the US . It also peaked at #1 in New Zealand where it was certified 5x Platinum .The album was recorded in London, Paris, and Swaziland...
(cello for Toni ChildsToni ChildsToni Childs is an American singer-songwriter from Orange, California. She has released four studio albums and is best known for her songs "Don't Walk Away" , "I've Got To Go Now", a Top 5 hit in Australia in 1991, and the Emmy-winning "Because You're Beautiful" Toni Childs (born October 29, 1957)...
)
Guest performances include:
- 1997: WatchfulWatchfulWatchful is an album by the American experimental pop music group Amoeba. This is the first Amoeba album to feature the classic lineup of Robert Rich and Rick Davies. The style of this album consists of subtle and largely acoustic pop compositions with heavy ambient textures.Work on this album...
(cello with AmoebaAmoeba (band)Amoeba is an experimental music group that fuses the pop and ambient music genres. They formed in California, USA in 1992. The core members of the group are ambient musician Robert Rich and guitarist/bassist Rick Davies....
) - 1998: OfferingsOfferings (VAS album)Offerings is the second album by VAS, with guests Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Steve Stevens, and Hans Christian.-Track listing:# "Svarga"# "Roya"# "Varuna"# "The Promise"# "Ellora"# "Temple Of The Maiden"# "Leyli"# "Veiled"# "Wajad"...
(cello, sarangi, nyckelharpa with VasVas (band)Vas was an alternative world musical group composed of Persian vocalist Azam Ali and American percussionist Greg Ellis. Vas is frequently compared to the Australian band Dead Can Dance. The band released four full-length albums, and both artists have released a few solo albums and participated in...
) - 1998: Pilgrim Heart (bass guitar, cello, vocals, sarangi, nyckelharpa with Krishna Das)
- 1998: Seven VeilsSeven VeilsSeven Veils is an album by the U.S. ambient musician Robert Rich. It is inspired by Arab culture and music. This album has a heightened emphasis on rhythms, from guitar and percussion. All pieces except track 3 were composed in just intonation. Guests include David Torn on guitar and Hans...
(cello with Robert RichRobert Rich (musician)Robert Rich is an ambient musician and composer based in California, United States. With a discography spanning over 30 years, he is widely regarded as a figure whose sound has greatly influenced today's ambient, New Age, and even IDM music.-Early life:At an early age he thought he disliked music...
) - 2000: Live... on Earth (also Live on EarthLive On EarthLive on Earth is the first live CD and DVD by Dutch band Star One. It features not only songs from their debut album, Space Metal, but also songs from Ayreon, another musical project by Arjen Anthony Lucassen...
) (bass guitar, cello with Krishna Das) - 2000: PivotPivot (album)Pivot is an album by the American experimental pop music group Amoeba. The style of this album is similar to that of Amoeba’s previous album Watchful except with a somewhat more active and direct approach...
(cello with AmoebaAmoeba (band)Amoeba is an experimental music group that fuses the pop and ambient music genres. They formed in California, USA in 1992. The core members of the group are ambient musician Robert Rich and guitarist/bassist Rick Davies....
) - 2003: Chakra Healing Chants (production with Sequoia Records)
- 2004: RevealRevealReveal or Revealed may refer to:* Reveal , a type of joint* Revealed..., a UK TV news programme for teenagers* Revealed with Jules Asner, an American biography TV series* The Revealed, an Internet documentary project about gorillas...
(production for Spirit Voyage Records) - 2007: Divas and Devas (production for Spirit Voyage Records)
- 2007: The Journey Home (production for Spirit Voyage Records)
- 2008: Spring FeverSpring FeverSpring Fever may refer to:* Spring fever, a syndrome of symptoms occurring during the spring season* Spring Fever , a silent, comedic short subject starring Harold Lloyd...
(production for Springgroove) - 2009: Adhara (production for Spirit Voyage Records)
- 2010: Ylang (cello for Robert RichRobert Rich (musician)Robert Rich is an ambient musician and composer based in California, United States. With a discography spanning over 30 years, he is widely regarded as a figure whose sound has greatly influenced today's ambient, New Age, and even IDM music.-Early life:At an early age he thought he disliked music...
) - 2010: Diamonds in the Sun (mixing and mastering for Girish)
- 2010: Silent Moonlight Meditation (production for Spirit Voyage Records)
- 2010: Crimson Sadhana (production for Spirit Voyage Records)
- 2011: Rumi Symphony with Andrew Harvey (multiple instruments, production, mixed, mastered for Allemande Music)