Christopher Parris is a storyteller, a quester, and an alchemical apprentice to sound who walks the thin line between folk tradition and cosmic exploration. Emerging as a progressive folk artist with a distinct spiritual resonance, Parris’ work is deeply inspired by the societal evolution of human consciousness, weaving ancient philosophies with modern introspection to create what he dubs as “higher vibrational music.”
On occasion, a song comes along that does not feel like something straight out of the composer; rather—and truly—is a door, a portal to enter and explore some loving, eternal, resonant materials. Christopher Parris’s “Golden Sunrise of the Summerlands,” the standout single off Living Through the Twilight of the Kali Yuga, is precisely one of those gems. “This new album I’ve made is so exciting and I’m completely in love with it,” he shares, and it’s easy to understand why.
On top of layered detailed acoustic guitar tunings, the hypnotic harmonic framework of the song is produced on open-tuned guitar double-tracked alongside its natural tonal overtones, forming a massive blanket for the rest of the instruments. The fingerstyle is relaxed, with melting melodic motifs over the chord progression creating a beautiful unfolding, much like a storyteller unwinding the threads of an ancient myth.
The song’s sound, produced by composer and producer Billy Jupp, draws the basic structure into the realms of subtlety and liaises with ease between flourish and subtlety. Each aspect of the arrangement breathes freely while being musical and cohesive, showcasing Jupp’s deft touch. Michael Hurst plays the bass, a superbly played Warwick Series 2 from Africa, providing a low-ground feeling without overdriving; its woody timbre and syncopation grant a fuzzy earthiness along with the ethereal slide guitar work by Paul Rippengal.
The slide guitar playing glides through Americana, blues, and jazz influences, lending a shimmering, celestial quality to the song. The interplay between his slide lines and Parris’s acoustic guitar delivers a tension that has a pulse alive and, in constant motion, shifting and evolving.
Jennifer Lee Ridley’s backing vocals are another highlight, casting a hauntingly beautiful counterpoint to the lead. There is an almost sacred quality to her harmonies, a sense of worship that makes evident some empowering and spiritual themes of the song. Miss Ridley’s voice is not just a supportive backing for Parris: it levitates him in a magic stroke, lending gravitas to the track. Rhythmically, the song is driven by the drums of Robin OKeeffe, with the aid of textures from Ben Killick.
The momentum behind “Golden Sunrise of the Summerlands,” is already building, with the artist fielding numerous collaboration offers from across the industry. With Golden Sunrise of the Summerlands, he revives in us the belief in the transforming powers of art. Here is what high-vibration music sounds like when it is at its best—timeless, universal, and very much needed. Dive into the Golden Sunrise of the Summerlands right now by streaming it on Spotify.