Musicians Beth and Chris Sandvoss will be presenting their eclectic Americana/roots/folk blend in a rare duo format March 1 at the Snowbirds Chalet in Bragg Creek for an 8 p.m. concert.
The ‘Fused Roots Kitchen Concert’ will feature original compositions by the husband and wife team, who are best known to perform with five-piece roots-classical collective, Chisel Creek.
Both Beth and Chris boast lengthy solo careers, each in their own right, settling into the quiet of the hamlet some 10 years ago to raise their children, Tilman and Sabina.
“We understand each other very well musically,” said Chris. “We met preparing for a show and three months later we were married.”
That was more than 18 years ago.
Since then, the musicians have expanded on their crafts.
Beth is an accomplished cellist and vocalist, having worked as a recitalist, chamber musician and pedagogue. Her early work took her to Hong Kong, where she was a member of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and toured Asia with the Victoria String Quartet.
Chris, a luthier by day, took his work as a guitarist and violinist to the next level several years ago, inspired to begin his journey as a singer/songwriter following the loss of a close friend.
Chris said the fusion of his wife’s cello with his original ‘folk-roots’ medleys creates a blend of perfect harmonies.
“The cello-guitar is such a beautiful combination…my songs – they’re story-songs, songs that beg listening to. It’s nice to have the sparse arrangement that way and the cello fills in with such a warmth,” said the songwriter.
“Beth is such a phenomenal cellist — when she plays, she’s so heartfelt and talented.”
Chris said his constant these days, where inspiration is concerned, are his children.
“I write songs they can listen to, songs that have a message for them,” said Chris, discussing the power of music and the meaning particular songs carry throughout one’s life, beginning at an early age.
The songman said he hopes this duet concert will lead to future projects with his wife.
“There will always be Chisel Creek, we have awesome musicians, a real stellar cast, but this is a side journey and we’re really wanting to create a new path.”
Beth will be playing a cello handcrafted by Chris on the night of the performance.
Learn more at chiselcreekband.com, a five-piece filled out by Keith Smith (guitar), Jamie Newsom (bass, vocals) and Robin Tufts (drums, percussion, vocals).
Tickets to the March 1 show are $20, available at 4039494194 or 4036147234 or at [email protected].
