Solidago

A classically trained guitar player from the age of nine, Chris Velan grew up listening to an eclectic mix of his dad's music: Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Willie Nelson, and Van Morrison, his sister's early 80's New Wave cassettes, and his uncle's extensive reggae vinyl collection.

On Solidago can be heard the culmination of a journey from a nine year old boy taking guitar lessons to a mature artist finally giving himself permission to let go. Now twenty-five years removed from the classical training of his childhood, Chris still doesn't play with a pick.

Solidago takes its name from the late-blooming Goldenrod, and represents a masterfully blossomed musical identity. Vivid imagery becomes sage advice on "A Year Can Change A Lot" and "Go Easy" while "Wobbly Bones" conveys the horrors and hopes witnessed in Africa. "House Upon A Hill" paints a loving and grateful sense of place. "May Your Soul Get To Heaven" finds profound spirituality in a book of superstitions and offers a blessing in the form of a lullaby.