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Current Bio: Albert and Gage

ARTIST BIO

In Austin, Texas—a town overflowing with gifted singer/songwriters and guitar heroes—Christine Albert & Chris Gage have a nine year track record of making beautiful music together. Over the course of five duet albums, the duo has demonstrated that disparate backgrounds do not preclude musical soulmates from finding one another.

Their Burnin’ Moonlight album led an Austin Chronicle reviewer to exclaim, “(The songs are) beautifully framed by the duo's intertwined, yearning vocals, leaving a glow as luminous and bright as moonlight itself.” And the Houston Press noted, “From George Jones and Tammy Wynette to Richard and Linda Thompson, male-female duets are one of popular music's most delightful permutations. And the Austin-based duo of Christine Albert and Chris Gage easily slot right in with the best.”

In 2003 Albert and Gage released their first live recording, Albert and Gage at Anderson Fair. Dirty Linen commented that the set had “energy, humor, really fine duet singing, strong leads, original harmonies, a strong sense of partnership, personality, and musicality”. Sing Out! found it to be a “a cohesive and exciting exploration of the roots of popular, mostly American, music”.

Says Christine of her partner, “Musically, I like to go in lots of different directions”—from country songs to French chansons—“and Chris goes right along with me. It's not just that he plays bluegrass or folk or blues, but that he plays it all with so much integrity.”

“After being a sideman for several years I was ready to start my own band again,” recalls Gage. “I wasn't sure exactly how that would manifest, and then I met Christine. What we brought out in each other was magical.”

Onstage, Albert's slender, dark beauty contrasts strikingly with Gage's craggy good looks. How gracefully they complement each other is easily apparent. Although they have functioned as a duo for just nine years, both musicians' individual pedigrees are far more extensive.

Gage is a journeyman musician and South Dakota native who literally began touring in a station wagon at age 15. In the mid-Seventies and early Eighties he led the popular midwestern country-swing Red Willow Band, and from there graduated to an eight-year tenure on piano with guitar virtuoso and country star Roy Clark. After moving to Austin in 1991, Gage began commuting to San Antonio to take the reins as musical director for the Fiesta Texas theme park.

But it was during (and following) his next incarnation, as bandleader for West Texas alt.-country singer/songwriter Jimmie Dale Gilmore, that he began to carve out his own place in the Austin scene as an in-demand session player and accompanist. It was with Gilmore that Christine first heard Chris play and in 1997 Albert & Gage was formed. The duo later toured as an opening act for Gilmore and as members of his ensemble.

Christine Albert's French grandmother lived in Paris and her mother was born in Switzerland, so perhaps it's inevitable that the occasional Edith Piaf song migrates into her sets of original material and carefully chosen covers. Indeed, she recorded an entire album of lovely (albeit improbable) Franco-Lone Star fusion entitled Texafrance in 1992; and a 2003 sequel—Texafrance-Encore!—was released, appropriately enough, on Valentine's Day that year.

Christine herself cut her musical teeth in northern New Mexico, in the chic environs of Santa Fe and in the rough-and-tumble biker bars out along the Turquoise Trail. Along with fellow New Mexico chanteuse Eliza Gilkyson, Albert re-located to Austin in 1982 and began to distinguish herself as a singer-songwriter in a town where the bar for such artists is set very high indeed.

She has released five solo albums, including Texafrance, The High Road and Underneath the Lone Star Sky. In 1996, she was voted Female Vocalist of the Year in the Kerrville Music Awards poll associated with the prestigious Kerrville Folk Festival and has appeared on Austin City Limits, both with Gilkyson and on her own show. A longtime community activist, Albert is also known for her work on behalf of survivors of sexual assault and has recently founded “Swan Songs”, a not for profit program that arranges private concerts by favorite Texas musicians for individuals with a life threatening illness.

The duo’s 2006 release Cry Love, was recorded entirely at their own MoonHouse Studio, showcasing their compelling songwriting, impeccable harmonies and Gage’s natural instrumental gifts. When not on the road, Chris and Christine stay busy producing other artists and have expanded MoonHouse Records with releases produced by Chris Gage for fellow Austinites Cowboy Johnson and Michael Austin.

Christine Albert
has released four independent albums including "TEXAFRANCE", and "TexaFrance-Encore!", bilingual tributes to her European heritage and love of the French chanson. Her 1995 CD, "Underneath The Lone Star Sky" on Antone's/dos Records, climbed into the top twenty on the national Americana radio chart. She has appeared on Austin City Limits and The Texas Connection, written and performed her own "Don't Mess With Texas" ad and was featured in the popular Bluebell Ice Cream television commercial. In 1996 Christine was voted female vocalist of the year at the Kerrville Music Awards. Originally from upstate New York and later Santa Fe, New Mexico, Christine moved to Austin, Texas in 1982. A committed community activist, she was co-founder of the Austin Songwriters Group and has served on the board of NARAS and The Austin Rape Crisis Center. Through her work on behalf of fellow sexual assault survivors, she has been a spokesperson for SafePlace and produced three successful fundraising concerts for the organization.

Christine Albert..."has it all: charm, authenticity, good material, true humility, beauty, talent, sex appeal, intelligence and on and on. A real class act." Austin Chronicle / Austin, Texas
Christine's page

Chris Gage
is a consummate musician, singing with strength and conviction while masterfully sparking the duo with hot guitar, piano and accordion. Originally from South Dakota, Chris was the founding member of the still beloved 1970’s midwest country swing band, Red Willow Band.
After releasing two albums with RWB, he embarked on a lengthy stint as a sideman, moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma to play piano with Roy Clark for eight years, appearing on The Tonight Show (Johnny Carson) and Hee Haw, as well as accompanying Clark on a 1988 tour of the Soviet Union. He moved to Austin in the early 90’s, and became band leader for Jimmie Dale Gilmore (playing guitar and piano) for three years, with performances on The Tonight Show (Jay Leno), Conan O’Brien, and at such esteemed venues as Carnegie Hall and The Royal Albert Hall. An in-demand studio musician and producer, Gage produces Albert and Gage as well as other artists in their home studio and has numerous other production and studio credits. (resume)

Chris is a "...songwriter, singer, dobro player, ace guitarist, keyboard player, mandolin picker, and a generally electric powerhouse with inspiration to spare." Sweet Potato / Minneapolis, Minnesota
Chris's page

reviews:

Burnin' Moonlight:
"Christine Albert and Chris Gage demonstrate the art of good album making so effortlessly on Burnin' Moonlight, it's a lesson to remember."
Margaret Moser, The Austin Chronicle ****

Here's a couple unashamedly in love with their material, and the enthusiasm can't help but rub off on listeners.
Michael Corcoran, Austin American Statesman ***

"When I sat down to listen to ‘Burnin’ Moonlight’ the first thing that came to my mind was that Albert and Gage sing their songs from the heart. Pure and simple, straight from the heart of Texas."
J.D. Rose, Program Director KFAN Radio, Fredericksburg, TX

Always interesting harmonies, inventive musicianship, and thoughtful writing, sparked with a dash of fun, make this one worth investigation for acoustic music and singer/songwriter fans.
Dirty Linen (December 2001)
click here for complete burnin' moonlight reviews

Jumpin' Tracks:
"Jumpin' Tracks... is one the best local releases of the year"
Michael Corcoran, Austin American Statesman

"Albert and Gage comprise one of the smartest local pairings on record"
Christopher Hess.....Austin Chronicle

"Together, they're electrifying."
John Conquest...Third Coast Music
click here for complete jumpin' tracks reviews

TexaFrance-Encore! ***
It's no coincidence this album came out around Valentine's Day, because its beauty is not just in the music, but in its sheer romantic atmosphere, the kind you need no partner to enjoy.
Austin Chronicle, February 21, 2003 by Margaret Moser

A sequel to Albert’s 1992 release, TexaFrance, TexaFrance-Encore! is a musical and romantic tribute to Christine Albert’s and Chris Gage’s sizeable and truly enjoyable talent.
New Texas Magazine, February 2003 by Lynne Thompson

A blend of voices equals one soulful show.
This folk/country duo have created a harmonic sound with original and compelling performances that are hard to match. Chris Gage and Christine Albert are an electrifying pair who offer a range of music from country and folk to rock and the blues. employing a bouquet of instruments - from pianos to acoustic guitars - the duo leave show goers rocking one minute, then sitting back and taking it easy the next. The Austin-based singer-songwriters (who are a couple both on and off the stage) are often compared to other primo country pairs such as George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Albert and Gage have a portfolio of awards and a resume filled with media appearances and tours.
Lindsey Rausch

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Albert and Gage
Houston Press by Rob Patterson
(October, 2001)
From George Jones and Tammy Wynette to Richard and Linda Thompson, male-female duets are one of popular music's most delightful permutations. And the Austin-based duo of Christine Albert & Chris Gage easily slot right in with the best. Their vocals intertwine like two passionate lovers - the two are a couple offstage as well - and their performances are an upbeat celebration of songs and the art of singing them. Albert's honey-drenched voice is one of the best in Austin, gracing everything from a CD-length salute to her Swiss-French roots to Bluebell Ice Cream ads. The South Dakota-bred Gage is a multi-instrumental wizard who has played with Roy Clark and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and his rich tenor complements Albert's voice like a graceful bow. Their two CDs and stage shows include everything from memorable originals to choice cover material. An evening with the two is a fun and heartwarming experience in which music truly is the food of love.

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Promoters say......

"What a fantastic time everyone had at our recent house concert with Albert & Gage. Christine's exquisite voice, coupled with Chris' masterful guitar playing, left everyone breathless. Their harmonies made the rafters in our home ring like never before. On top of it all, their song selection, a mixture of originals and well-chosen covers, included something for everyone. A night that we, and our guests, will never forget!"
--Arlene and Mark Klemow Split Level House Concerts Scotch Plains, NJ July, 2001

"Albert and Gage drew a record crowd to our acoustic concert series, and proceeded to put on a high-voltage, crowd-pleasing performance. Country, rock, blues, folk, French torch - it didn't matter. They nailed 'em all. Christine Albert alone is a singer-songwriter of no small talent - just look at the awards she's earned. Put her together with Chris Gage - a powerhouse in his own right - and you have a duo that's just about unstoppable! I can't speak for Chris - I didn't know him beforehand - but I've been watching Christine's musical evolution over the past five years, and teaming up with Chris has highlighted her already-considerable talent. You can't go wrong with a pair of aces like these."
--Bill James Belton Texas Acoustic Concert Series

"Albert and Gage are individually very talented singer songwriters and together they are a power house of folk rock. Our audience was amazed at the talent. Christine Albert and Chris Gage are not to be missed. The house rocked...and the piano is still smoking. They'll rock you, soothe you and make you want for more."
--Glen Duckett "Flowers in the Desert" - House Concerts, Brenham, Texas.