Chris Beard skillfully connects generations through his interpretation of the blues. In his sixth album, “Pass It on Down,” which also marks his debut on Blue Heart Records, Beard collaborates with none other than his father, the esteemed Joe Beard, an inductee into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. Together, they create a musical bridge that spans across time and pays homage to the blues legacy.
Born in Rochester, New York, in 1957, Chris Beard’s upbringing was steeped in the world of blues, quite literally. Remarkably, at the tender age of 6, Beard displayed his musical talent by effortlessly picking out tunes like “Green Onions” on the guitar. By the time he reached 15, he was a regular fixture on the local music scene, frequently performing alongside his father’s band and various R&B groups in the area. This early connection to his music is at the core of Chris’s artistic identity, and it continues to shine through in the profound emotional depth he conveys in both his recorded tracks and electrifying live shows. Being a second-generation artist, Beard carries the responsibility of evolving the blues into a sound that resonates with contemporary audiences, especially the younger generation. While he remains anchored in the timeless I-IV-V progressions of the blues, Beard’s musical voice is uniquely his own, characterized by a fresh and contemporary style that speaks volumes.
TRACK LISTING
- Let The Chips Fall
- One More Cry For Love
- Big Girl
- Pass It On Down
- House Of Shame
- When Love Comes Knocking
- Son I Never Knew
- Keeps Me Believing
- Who Do You Think You’re Foolin’
- Bitter Baby