Chris Thomas King March 30, 2009

Chris Thomas King grew up impoverished but in a rich musical culture. Initially known for his audacious fusion of blues and hip-hop, King reached a whole new audience starring in and scoring music for the Coen Brothers film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” not only appearing on the award-winning soundtrack, but establishing himself as a serious dramatic actor as well.

Chris Thomas King is the son of respected Louisiana bluesman and juke joint owner Tabby Thomas and thus was surrounded by music from a very young age. He began playing trumpet in sixth grade and learned guitar shortly thereafter, soaking up as much as he could by hanging out at his father's club “Tabby’s Blues Box,” with the older musicians.

Chris Thomas King’s ground breaking hip-hop blues recordings had a major impact on hip-hop music. King’s Influence on artists such as Nas, Bubba Sparks, Common, Mos Def, Kenye West, Cowboy Troy and others brought the sound of the blues to his hip-hop generation.

With his new record “Home”, King has created a suite of songs inspired by the rich musical culture of the old French Quarter, conveying aspects of romance, melancholy and wonderment with fresh arrangements and melodies that trumpets a rebirth. King and his musicians have succeeded in conjuring a fresh adult pop album laced with authentic jazz, classical and blues sensibilities.

Home comes from a place King would like to return to. “Imagine sitting at a street café sipping wine or coffee listening to a trumpet or an accordion played from a nearby balcony, or getting lost in the music of a street musician while a horse and carriage stroll down Basin Street. Just forgetting the hustle and bustle.” As King describes the southern charm of his hometown you can almost hear the jazzy pop melodies of his new suite of songs.

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