Chris Spheeris - The Best Of Chris Spheeris 1990-2000 (2001)

The title of Chris Spheeris' 2000 Higher Octave Music debut Dancing With the Muse perfectly embodies the deep, spiritual approach the multi-instrumentalist has always taken in creating some of the most diverse and dynamic contemporary instrumental music of the past two decades. Drawing upon a wide range of musical influences -- from the classical and pop music he grew up with and the music of his Greek heritage to the exotic worldbeat flavors he's gathered from his numerous global travels -- Spheeris has enjoyed challenging all musical boundaries as well as the spirits of the more than a million fans who have bought his recordings. Featuring 15 classic pieces and two brand new compositions, The Best of Chris Spheeris: 1990-2000 is an exciting look back at his extraordinary musical achievements over the past decade. For the 13 previously released tracks, Spheeris drew from his popular 1990s releases Culture (1993), Desires (1994), Europa (1995), Mystic Traveler (1996), Eros (1997), and Dancing With the Muse (2000). Every tune is a completely different expression, coming from a unique place melodically, rhythmically, and spiritually. Among the highlights are "Lovers & Friends," "Enchantment," and "Dancing With the Muse," which captures this experience perfectly. The two new Spheeris compositions are the Celtic-flavored (and appropriately titled) "Looking Back" -- which pays homage to the styles and feelings of many of the other works on the collection -- and the graceful solo piano piece "Rendezvous."

Chris Spheeris, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and recording artist, has inspired and captivated worldwide listeners with his music for more than 25 years. Being raised in the Midwestern USA and spending summers in his ancestral homeland of Greece, the cross-cultural foundation of his expression was in place long before his first melodies were ever written.

At 19, inspired by Joni Mitchell, early Genesis, Cat Stevens, the Talking Heads and other visionaries of the era, Spheeris along with friend, Paul Voudouris, entertained and inspired restaurant, coffeehouse, symphony, and college audiences with a blend of all original music and lyrics that were progressive and unique.

At age 25, Spheeris set up a studio, bought his first keyboards, and embarked on his own blend of instrumental music that would help found a new musical genre of New Age. Within three years of the inception of his solo career, Chris caught the attention of Columbia Records and went on to become one of the first New Age instrumentalists to be signed to a major label.

Over the next 15 years, with 10 new recordings, Spheeris has developed a signature style of cross-cultural, romantic instrumental music imbued with a quality that is at once, intimate, exotic, passionate and universal. Visit Chris Spheeris at www.chrisspheeris.com.