"If there's any music to a colorful life, it sounds a lot like Chris Thayer." 
     -Steve Robles, San Bernardino Sun

"From the pain comes the beauty of his art...
a true artisan." 
     -Tim Joyce, NBC-KMTR, Eugene, OR

"There is something about him that makes hiim stand out in front of the rest.  What is that one thing? It is talent. Honest to God talent." 
     -Shareena Clark, Coyote Chronicle
UPDATE FROM CHRIS ON THE NEW CD, "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PILLOW."
August 1, 2014
"We've entered the home stretch. With the exception of a couple special guests, the recording phase is finished. We head into the mixdown phase in the next two weeks. I couldn't be more happy with how the record has turned out. It is not only the most personal, but easily the best collection of music I've ever recorded. What's really given life to the songs is truly the amazing cast of special guests. What started as an acoustic trio disc has become a collaborative effort unlike anything I've ever experienced. Having so many talented and generous people involved has given the recordings a truly honest and unique feel. I am so proud of this project and really can't wait to share it with you."- Chris.
THE NUMBER OF GUESTS ARTISTS TOPS 20!
July 15, 2014
"I feel truly blessed to have had so 
many talented players and singers 
lend their gifts to the new disc. 
Guests include drummers Derek 
Smith, Yasha Smith and Frank 
Wilson. Chad Patrick added his 
percussion magic on several tracks. 
Spiro Nicolopolous (Paper Crowns), 
Kevin Swan (CTB), Kelly McGuire, 
and Joe Bull (Bullfish) added their 
guitars, while John Mila de la Roca 
joined in on keys. Among the 
talented singers involved are Matt 
Coleman (Hobo Jazz, Coleslaw), 
Barbara Paul (Bullfish), Gordon Campbell (Cold Comfort Band), Cindy Alexander, James Donaldson (The Plustones), Adam Elmore (HR7), Mia Mercado, Matt Springer, Jumpin' Jack Benny Cortez and Phoebe Thayer. Saxophophists Jason Weber, Maurice Oliva and Jeff Ellwood and trumpeter Marques Crews round out the list. The sheer talent involved in this undertaking is genuinely humbling. 
TOUR     BIOGRAPHY     COMMUNITY     MEDIA     STORE     


SUMMER TOUR DATES POSTED- ACOUSTIC TRIO SHOWS
May 5, 2014
Chris will be joined by Steve Brown and Yasha Philips for a series of acoustic trio gigs. Steve Brown is known for his work with Big Papa and the TCB. Yasha Philips has been a member of various groups, including Tribal Lust and the Horny Natives and Oolyakoo. The current shows are a reunion of sorts, since the three played together in the early nineties in the blues/rock group, Strong Persuader. 
Check the tour page for information. 
WHERE "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PILLOW" BEGAN
This disc has been in the works for so long, I had to go back and figure out how it all started. I happened upon an old blog post. Kind of funny to see now. -CT

October 8, 2009
"sat down today to look through a mountain of old song lyrics. i got together and jammed last week with a couple musicians, just to do some playing, and thought i'd try to figure out some of those lost "nuggets." well, that and the fact that one of my old friends from high school send me a message on facebook talking about some old songs i wrote for her and how "sappy" they were. i really don't doubt it. i have no idea what the songs could be, or be about. really weird. i honestly can't remember writing songs for this girl, but apparently i did. too funny. i bet i've forgotten more songs that i've written than i actually can remember writing. :) going through all those old papers really made me want to put these songs down on cd, the right way. i have so much music in me that has never been heard (and some of it, that's probably for the best). most people have memories or keepsakes. it seems that my life has been chronicled in songs. a week away from my 20 year h.s. reunion and i shudder at just how much of my life i have forgotten. it really does go by so very quickly. hell, it's been over a year since i've written in this online journal. 
as soon as i get this studio fully operational, i'm gonna make it my goal to get these old songs recorded, even if only acoustic.
anyway, i'm not sure if anyone will even read this. it's been so long. but i'm doin' it anyway. 
if you do sumble upon this and give it a read, thanks.
p.s.- check out sister hazel's site. i LOVE this band: www.sisterhazel.com"
"THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PILLOW" SESSIONS RESUME
Adding several new songs to the mix, I had Derek Smith and John Mila de la Roca in this month to add their flavor to the record. "Smitty" brought his trademark blend of "Beauford and Bonzo" to several of the tunes, and "Johnny Red" tracked a powerful, soulful piano track on "Safety In Numbers." It's amazing what top-notch players can do to these songs. 
CHRIS OPENS FOR COLIN HAY (MEN AT WORK) AT THE COACH HOUSE ON SEPTEMBER 4TH. 
August 28, 2014

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PILLOW is FINALLY almost complete!
​April 15, 2017
It's been quite the journey, but it's nearing completion at last! The collaborative nature of this project has been truly inspiring and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such amazing talent. Can't wait for you to hear it! The recording is complete and we've started mixdown. Expect singles VERY soon.
CHRIS THAYER
CHRIS AND FRIENDS OPENING FOR SISTER HAZEL ON JUNE 16TH AT THE CANYON CLUB IN AGOURA HILLS
May 5, 2017
We are incredibly honored and proud to open for Sister Hazel, a band which has been a huge influence in Chris' music. The show will be on Friday, June 16th at the beautiful Canyon Club in Agoura Hills. Advance tickets are only $25 here. Click the link below to purchase yours now!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!!
(Be sure to chance the quantity for the number of tickets you want)