KIFF (CHRIS GALLAGHER): Will and Surrender

KIFF (Chris Gallagher)

Will and Surrender

© 2004 Chris "KIFF" Gallagher (807135265225)

CD coming back in stock soon.

If you want us to email you the minute this CD arrives, enter your name and email address here. We will not give or sell your info to anyone, and will not use it for any other reason than to tell you when it arrives.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

Before Kiff adopted his childhood name, Chris Gallagher gave us "Will and Surrender." Called "stunning" by SF Weekly; "a breath of fresh air, soaring" by theOwlMag.com -- Kiff was clearly onto something big...

tracks

1 Running Away
2 Wide Open
3 No Tomorrow
4 Will and Surrender
5 Summer Rain
6 (have u ever been) Tempted
7 Follow the Leader
8 In Your Room
9 Down Low
10 We Rise
11 Only Love

notes

"Here is a new guy for us all to check out. Imagine Ben Folds mixed with a soul edge a'la Prince and Seal mixed with Lenny Kravitz...pure melodic pop heaven."
- Melodic.net

"...accurately described as 'equal parts Stevie Wonder and Steely Dan...with layered harmonies, a midtempo strut, and clever lyrical turns...For a debut record created over eight months in a vacuum, it's a pretty stunning effort."
- SF Weekly

"Music lovers have responded well to Gallagher's honest, upbeat flavor of acoustic soul."
- SF Examiner

"His raspy smooth vocals are -- a velvet blanket laid over groove jams..." www.theowlmag.com

In 2003, Kiff (Chris) Gallagher walked away from an impressive career in business and politics, and sat down to write some music. In less than a year he'd written, arranged, and produced "Will and Surrender." Though it was his first attempt at writing pop songs, it was instantly clear that he had a gift. "Will and Surrender" was a top seller at CDbaby.com for months, and the single, "Wide Open" charted on Garageband's top 20, all-time, for best male vocals and best love song, out of more than 17,000 in Pop Rock.

Before long, Gallagher was getting serious attention in his hometown, San Francisco. Over the next year, he headlined to packed crowds at top Bay Area venues (Café du Nord, Sweetwater). Gallagher's gorgeous vocals, sophisticated yet accessible songwriting and charismatic pop-soul sound made him a popular opener for acts as diverse as Gavin DeGraw, Maktub and Aqualung.

Gallagher spends most of his days in his small apartment, writing songs and planning new gigs. When he's not in San Francisco he's in NY (Makor, Bitter End) or LA (Hotel Café, Temple Bar) trying out material for his next album, due in summer 2005 under his childhood name "Kiff." Currently, Gallagher's un-produced tracks "How It Feels" and "Starting Line" have charted #1 and #3 on Garageband.

Background

The roots of Gallagher's classic songs and soul-flavored harmonies can be found in his childhood. His mother sang beautifully and loved anything with a groove, from Stevie and Marvin to the Fifth Dimension. His father, who played piano and banjo, favored the sweet chord progressions of the Beatles and James Taylor. Gallagher, known by his nickname Kiff, blended the two traditions and found himself expanding more into rock, pop, and hip hop with bands like Foreigner, Hall and Oates and A Tribe Called Quest.

Kiff started playing the piano on his own as a teenager, picking out chord progressions and playing them for hours. Meanwhile he was experimenting with composition, writing a piece in six-part harmony for his high school a capella group. His diverse musical interests continued in college, where he joined a funk band, played in an African drumming group, and sang in a gospel choir.

After graduation, Gallagher joined Bill Clinton's campaign for President; a year later he was in Washington. At night he fronted Funnybone, a hip-hop/ acid jazz band that regularly packed DC clubs. He later moved to San Francisco, where he helped manage Odwalla juice company, then became the president of Social Venture Network - a national alliance of socially responsible businesses. But his deeper inspiration continued to be music...and he finally surrendered. His first CD, "Will and Surrender", and a year of captivating shows in SF, LA and NY have reawakened Gallagher's musical calling. In 2005, Gallagher has decided to honor his roots and take back his childhood name "Kiff" which he dropped in high school. As we await his follow up record and tour this year, Kiff Gallagher's story is still very much in progress.

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • GOOD Music!!!!
    author: kS

    REALLLLY LIKE UR SOUND!!!!

  • Love it
    author: Stephen Carter

    Fantastic debut album with a real strong mix of funky melodies and meaningful lyrics - Timberlake could learn a thing or two from Mr Gallagher! This guy is virtually unheard of in the UK and I think that's a crime. Both his albums are first rate soul-pop and really should get more airplay. Both albums are 5 star affairs.

  • very good album
    author: noll

    Very good, a little too digital for me, but still great.

  • i love your voice, lyrics, and style. youre so hot.,
    author: connie su

    its totally awesome. chris' voice is really unique and im in love with his style. i play the cd on repeat all the time. love ittttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!. so hot!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • My young kids even love this!
    author: Patty

    I LOVE this CD, and if you can believe it, so do my 4 year-old son and 3 year-old daughter. I have it in the CD player in my car, and whenever I ask them what songs they want to hear, they usually respond, "Let's listen to Chris Gallagher!" We are eagerly awaiting the next CD!

  • Kif is fab!
    author: Brittain Stone

    Buy his CD! Chris is going to be huge.

  • Can't wait to hear the music on the CD in New York!
    author: Melissa C.

    Love the catchy lyrics and enchanting harmonies on this CD - can't wait to see him back East and in New York soon!

  • Makes me hot
    author: Women's Wear Daily

    Chris G. is a hottie. Reeks of raw animal magnetism! Ladies, bring an extra pair of panties to a Chris G. show, you're gonna need 'em.

  • The best CD I've bought in...I don't know how long!
    author: Liz*

    From the very first notes I was captivated. But while the music/production itself is amazing there's something wryly inviting about Chris Gallagher's voice that urges you to listen to every word. I listened to this CD 3 or 4 times in the first 2 days, NOT a common practice for me, and found myself not only singing along...but singing his positive, mellow tunes while walking down the street. Classifying or comparing just doesn't work in this case, this CD is one of a kind. Can't wait to see Chris somewhere in NY...are you listening Chris...I NEED to hear this live!

  • Incredible First CD!
    author: Scott

    I heard this in a store in Concord, NH and had to order it -No filler songs here! Chris G. has what it takes. Can't wait for more.

  • Why can't the radio play this music?
    author: Kate M.

    The evocative lyrics and expressive musicality on this CD make me want to listen over and over - my car CD player has this CD on all the time! This disc deserves to be shared with friends!

  • Great Funky Pop CD
    author: joebob

    This is an excellent funky neo-soul pop CD. Great voice, tight band, and great hooks and songs.

  • Great service WONDERFUL CD!
    author: Bonnie

    I am commenting on the service & shipping. As you see, 5 stars! I got it within just 4 days of ordering it! Thank you! Now.. the CD. Tasteful and appealing! I love his voice, lyrics and style. He's a cutie too.. that what can we go wrong!? Would love to see him in concert! Keep it up!

  • Favorite new CD
    author: Shirley

    I keep this one in my car stereo -- love it! Hope to see more from Chris soon.

  • brilliant
    author: Natalie

    I needed to own this cd after listening to "Wide Open". Chris Gallagher is fresh and cool. His album is a must-have...if you like him, you'll like Gavin DeGraw.

  • delicious
    author: jen

    So completely fresh and original...I found myself suprised and smiling as I traveled through each song. You know when listen to a CD, and you know within a matter of seconds you have a great one in your hands? This is one of those...

  • A breath of fresh air...
    author: Leah

    This CD is like a breath of fresh air! Great songwriting, musicians and production that are uncorrupted by the big label music business. It's so soulful and even funky at times that I doubt I will ever get tired of listening to it. Chris has a great voice and there are some really cool harmonies on here. So, if you like music that moves your heart with it's soulful sound and your body with it's groove then spend the 10 dollars and buy this CD - money well spent!

  • This debut CD really resonates - leaving you tapping your foot and singing the s
    author: ZapataSF

    The first track "Running Away" is exemplary of the album, though there are both lighter and more thoughtful pieces. Give it a listen and you will find that the CD is fresh collection of songs with a great beat, compelling riffs, and thoughtful lyrics. I'm really excited to have discovered such a briliant new artist. Trust me, your $10 will go a long way towards providing pleasure to all who listen. Can't wait for whatever comes next!!

  • when these songs get stuck in your head - it's a good thing
    author: Elaine Thomas

    there are influences from so many stand-out artists in chris's style. there are the melodies, harmonies and vocal overlays of stevie wonder, to the chord progressions and strong piano presence of pat metheny, to the tight and powerful close-knit vocal harmonizing of manhattan transfer. jonatha brook, maroon 5, all in there too... i could go on but you get the idea... i have a feeling chris gallagher has only scratched the surface of what he can do.

  • Light on the ears, deep in the soul!
    author: Mike Sikorsky

    Easy listening, or deep thoughtful listening, take your pick, this cd will do it perfectly for you!

  • Nice sound, great melodies. Looking forward to seeing him live.
    author: Havis

    The backs remind me of the Doobies in their day. It's an easy to listen to CD and can be played in the car, at home, on the beach, anywhere. Really nice songwriting.

  • can't get his tunes out of my head
    author: Meg H

    I am amazed at the diversity and freshness of Chris Gallagher's rhythms, lyrics, and harmonies. His tunes follow me around and make me smile. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!

  • Courageous, inspirational
    author: Mitchell jack

    This CD screams courage and beauty. Chrissie G has got balls and experience. This is a thoughtful collection of rifs and musings by a latter day Arlo Guthrie, with influences of the hip hop culture. Why did he wait so long???

  • It's about the groove!
    author: JoeyC

    Groove rock, acoustic soul, call it what you want: this CD is tasty. Gallagher fronts a great lineup of musicians on this collection of tunes, and they all work well together. This disc has stayed in my changer for a couple months now because it really grows on you -- it's the kind of album where your "favorite" song constantly changes from week to week. Kudos to this rising star...keep the rhythm strong...

  • Mellow groove to which you can MOOVE; a great combo
    author: Stephen G

    I really enjoyed the balance struck between something smoothe (morning music) and something with some funk (getting ready AND goin out music). Gallagher has an acute ear for this niche--I never new it was a gap in my musical collection until I heard Will and Surrender. Wow!

  • Instantaneously riveting, bi-costal range, superstar talent from a new artisit
    author: Johanna Schneider

    Chris has created a sound and tempo that are infectious, forcing you to listen over and over again. He has created music that moves the soul as well as the body. My prediction is Best New Artist when the industry discovers this massive talent. Really great to recommend to other music lovers!

  • The music sticks with you!
    author: Andrew E

    This soulful CD's tempo and vocals are a must listen - again and again. It is a winner!

  • Just awesome!
    author: CW

    This CD rocks! It has a new and different sound, and lyrics of substance. I can't wait until album #2!

  • listen to the tracks yourself - www.chrisgallagher.net
    author: Andrew F

    Chris has really hit it with his first album. A mix of delicate vocals and robust harmonies, straight beats and funky rhythms. An encore performace on a debut album ...

  • Want it East
    author: Nick H

    Awesome! Looking forward to a CG gig on the East Coast...

  • A Soulful and Emotionally-Charged album of SONGS
    author: Bruce Lomet (CHINASKI)

    Chris Gallagher delivers a soulful and emotionally charged album of songs that will find a cherished place in your CD collection. Gallagher has a knack for the well phrased lyric and the well placed back beat.

email

Please log in to email this artist.