Biography - www.cairneyhill.com

When Christopher Dean was five years old, his grandfather introduced him to the acoustic steel string guitar. His grandfather taught him a few chords and the melody to "Ghost Riders in the Sky". From that point forward Chris' life was altered, he was addicted and dedicated to music and the guitar. That has never changed.

Chris started his professional career as a full time performing musician in 1966 at age 18 in Tucson, Arizona. The Night Sounds were a four piece band specializing in rock and blues. Chris performed with that group through the beginning of 1968. During that time they released two singles, were the opening act for the rock groups "The Doors" and "The Rascals", and toured the south west extensively. Chris then performed with the "Rick Durham Band" which was touring out of Littlerock, AK. He spent 4 months on the road working in the Los Angeles area with that group. During that period he had the opportunity to open for the "Rolling Stones" at a concert hosted by "Wolfman Jack".

After serving in the Army, Chris returned to Tucson. At that time he became content to play fingerstyle guitar recreationally for his own enjoyment. After about seven years, Chris became active in performing again. This time playing bluegrass music on a 5-string banjo.

Chris and his wife, Ann, relocated to Southern California in 1980 and Chris subsequently started a bluegrass band. He also began teaching the 5 string banjo and guitar at a local music store. Chris also became interested in, and involved with banjo competition. In 1983 Chris won First Place in Intermediate Bluegrass Banjo, and in 1985 First Place in Advanced Bluegrass Banjo at the Julian Bluegrass Festival (The New Expressions' Guitar, Banjo and Fiddle Contest). During those years, that festival would generally draw an audience of approximately 6,000 fans.

For the next 10 years Chris performed only occasionally. His efforts were concentrated towards studying Scottish and Irish musicology. In January 1996, Chris started performing Scottish and Irish traditional and contemporary folk music on solo fingerstyle guitar. His performances began as an occasional gig at a record store or wedding, and escalated to being booked as the opening act for the Celtic group "Skyedance". Since then, Chris has performed at a varity of venues with some of the major recording artists from the U.S., Ireland and Scotland.

With the encouragement of Jimmy Keigher and Donnie MacDonnald (Men of Worth), singer/songwriter Dougie MacLean, guitarist/recording artist Edgar Cruz (and many other friends in the industry) Chris released his first solo album of Celtic instrumental music. "Highland Heritage" was released by Cairney Hill Music September 22, 2000. His second album, "The Gael", was released in June 2002. Chris' third album "Celtic Journey" was released January 16, 2006

Chris' music has been released on two compilation albums in Italy ('03, '05), one in the U.S. ('04), and six tunes on five albums that were released exclusively in Japan ('05).

Throughout the years Chris' performance venues have included PBS/NPR, Celtic and Folk Festivals, Performing Arts Centers, Arts-In-Schools Programs, Corporate Events, ....... just to mention a few

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