Biography

Chris Dunnett’s diverse, multi-genre performances are delivered with passion, precision and flair. His renegade acoustic Flamenco-inspired style, combined with his unique arrangements of heavy metal, pop/dance, classical and Latin songs, creates a one-of-a-kind listening experience. The use of backing tracks and a phrase sampler on some songs, creating the effect of a full band, enhances his musical versatility but is not a necessity. As a solo performer, Chris Dunnett can accomodate his playing not only style-wise but energy-wise to a variety of venues and festivals. His music is appropriate not only for dinner or private functions, but also for concerts and other regional special events.

Chris Dunnett’s (pronounced Da-nay) love affair with guitar started at the age of thirteen as a student, and progressed at the age of eighteen when he became a teacher of guitar technique and theory. Much more than technical ability, more than simple mechanics, Chris Dunnett exhibits melody, feel, and style. Chris is well versed in various musical formats, ranging from rock and pop to flamenco, classical, fusion, and fingerstyle new age. His songwriting began almost the moment he picked up the guitar. His instrumentals create moods and textures rather than "just solos."

Listening to Chris' music allows you to hear his influences from classical to rock including Al Dimeola, Peppino D'Agostino, Ottmar Liebert, Eric Johnson, Rik Emmett, Randy Rhoads, Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Harris, Nancy Wilson, Alex Lifeson, David T. Chastain (whom Chris also studied under), Vinnie Moore, Wolfgang Mozart, J.S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, and Looney Tunes cartoons.

Never one to sit still, Chris also performs in his prog-rock band, BLOODSEAL. He composes music for independent film projects, writes and records pop and country music, and teaches guitar. Chris Dunnett’s music has been featured on episodes of A&E’s BIOGRAPHY, Court TV’s BEACH PATROL: SAN DIEGO and NBC’s AMERICA’S GOT TALENT.

In 2007, Chris performed several of his flamenco pieces at an international Guitar Festival in Mexico, as one of nineteen artists chosen from 250 applicants. Chris's playing has also captured the attention of other guitar greats...

"Chris has always kept in touch with me over the years, keeping me up-to-date on his guitar playing activities. He is, and has always been, a conscientious lover of all things related to the guitar, and it's great to see him taking his love affair public."…Rik Emmett

He has received accolades from Ritchie Blackmore, and several guitar players’ publications:“Chris Dunnett El Samuraichi.

Flamenco and classical flavored originals delivered by a fleet-fingered master technician with a flair for melody and composition.” Guitar Player Magazine

"Featuring fiery, melodic, acoustic music which blends styles such as flamenco, Middle Eastern, Gypsy, Latin and neo-classical, Chris Dunnett's CD El Samuraichi is a world music guitar treat. Mood-driven and musically captivating, the songs take you to places such as old New Mexico and Morocco, and also give the feeling of numerous cantinas and marketplaces in Latin America. The strongest musical influence may perhaps be flamenco, but Dunnett uses his imagination, skill and knowledge of other styles to give the songs a personal touch. The energy level of the ten instrumental tracks is consistently high, a bonus on lyrically melodic material. Fans of artists such as Strunz & Farah and Ottmar Liebert will warm up to Dunnett's music immediately - however, all acoustic and world music aficionados need to pay attention to this artist's work."Dan McAvinchey, Guitar Nine Records

On his second CD, "Higher Glyphics", Chris takes the journey he began with "El Samuraichi a bit further by adding Reggae, Calypso, choirs and Arabian voices to the mix. While "El Samuraichi" has Chris Dunnett's show stopping rendition of "Maleguena", "Higher Glyphics" marks Chris' return to the electric guitar with a fiery solo on the track "Strumz & Pharaoh." While still showcasing his guitar abilities, "Higher Glyphics" places the emphasis more in melody and composition while maintaining a very danceable feel throughout the CD.

"Higher Glyphics" also greatly widened Chris' audience as it was listed on Echoes' “Listener's Top 25” CD of 2003. Echoes is a syndicated radio show broadcast to 180 stations across the country.

Chris is known for his unique arrangements of cover songs, which is apparent on his third CD, "It's Alive One!" "It's Alive One!" is an "enhanced CD" featuring new songs as well as "Paint It Black" (The Rolling Stones), "The Munster's Theme", "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (Eiffel 65), Rainbow In The Dark" (Dio), "Fade To Black" (Metallica), "Circles" (Joe Satriani) and live versions of songs from his first two CDs "El Samuraichi" & "Higher Glyphics"."It's Alive One' is 100% live. No part of this was re-recorded in a studio. The "enhanced" feature gives you access to a hidden web page Chris calls "the hidden laboratory of goodies" where you can download more songs, interviews, and guitar instructional material. "It's Alive One" is over an hour long and gives a sample of Chris' onstage humor in between songs.