Who is Chris Kasper? Kasper is an American original who has been quietly distinguishing himself from the crowd of musicians with acoustic guitars and original songs. Kasper is a gifted songwriter who follows neither genre nor format. His songs are not what you'd expect from a dude traveling with an old dawg and sporting a 3-day beard. His award-winning songwriting (for both himself and the Lowlands, a 4-member traditional bluegrass act) consistently receives high praise. His songs take you on a musical ride, ethereal, floating, delicate, and genuine Ð he winds you up and calms you down.
Kasper is a hard worker who has been doing it the old fashion way, writing and rehearsing, playing shows, and driving to the next club to do it again. The "pond," as they call it, hasn't gotten in his way and he's toured Europe too. All without a manager, a label, or a booking agent. Some of that has recently changed, as Kasper explains, "Things have gone well, but I felt it was time to do more with my music than I can do all on my own." Enter B.O.S. is an indie label with roots in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia; a label known for executing successful grass roots campaigns that bring deserved exposure to good songs and artists willing to work the road. It's a perfect fit for Kasper, who has partnered with B.O.S. to re-release "Flying Boy" and continue the journey.
The journey began with the birth of Christopher Paul Kasper in Hartford, Connecticut. He was raised as one of 9 kids. His brothers and sisters are doctors, teachers, business folks, and honestly it's hard to keep them all straight. But, one thing they all do is sing. So, it is no wonder Kasper can write lovable melodies that are perfect for harmonies (the first few bars of the first track off "Flying Boy" are a perfect example). When you meet Kasper he's a bit mysterious, but very familiar. You just know that there is some truth to all the tall tales that surround him. And, if you hang around long enough you'll start to notice sly smirks that might mean he knows something you missed. But, what makes Kasper noteworthy in the world of American Idol stars and reality television is that he is all about the creation and performance of music, period.
Kasper started playing music in the bars of a West Virginia college town and quickly developed a knack for the stage . In 2002, he released his first collection of original songs, "Trust the Tale, Not the Teller," and it was called "brilliant and moving" by [find out publication]. The song "Favorite Highway" won Best Song at the 2002 Mountain Stage NewSong festival and Kasper placed 2nd overall in the contest, which made him the only NewSong artist to receive two awards. Eventually, Kasper's growing legion of fans allowed him to play ticketed gigs, and he changed his home address to Philadelphia.
Even though Kasper is an award winning songwriter, most people don't discover him thanks to a feature article in a newspaper or magazine, or first hear him thanks to special attention from radio stations. No, people most often discover Kasper through the admiration of other artists — well known, admirable musicians . . . artists who want their next record to have the feel of "Flying Boy," and artists who admire how well Kasper's live show ebbs and flows. If you think about it, that's one of the highest form of praise a musician can receive, and an honest testament to his craft.
When asked his thoughts on this biography Kasper said, "Ya, I guess that's about right." Chris Kasper a man of few words. Which is why, while watching Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, it dawned on me, "Chris Kasper is the Sundance Kid!" The quiet man who lives his way and from whom you don't expect much, but then he pulls out his guitar and starts to sing.
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