The Swamp Poets are Making a Scene

August 5, 2022

HOME PAGE

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Christian Michael Berry of the Swamp Poets

Christian Michael Berry started his professional musical career in San Francisco circa 1969 as a solo artist playing roots based country rock and blues. His early influences were 50’s and early 60’s era “old school” country, (Ferlin Husky, Buck Owens, Marty Robbins and even Johnny Rivers. Later, he fell in love with the sound of the “British Invasion” Blues Bands like Cream, Humble Pie, Savoy Brown and of course, American Swamp Rockers like Tony Joe White and Creedence Clearwater Revival. All of those influences along with his Mississippi River roots combined to give ‘Chris’ an easily identifiable “style and sound of his own”.

He spent many of his formative years living in the North Beach area of San Francisco which was also the home of the beat poets and many literary giants like Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Charles Bukowski, Bob Kaufman, Jack Kerouac and others. Says Chris: “Even though I was of a younger generation a lot of those guys were still around. The literary influence was palpable and you didn’t dare even get on the stage unless you had something beautifully poetic to say. It was all about “painting masterpieces with words” and so prevalent that it was almost like a daily competition to express yourself verbally in a way that resonated with those listening. That, along with being a naturally born storyteller, might just be the biggest influence to my songwriting. I also had and still do a love affair with beautiful, soothing and pleasant melodies.

Chris’s various bands over the years has included members that read like a who’s who of Rock & Roll. Many of his band alumni went on to have much more successful musical careers of their own. Says Chris: “I loosely tried to structure my bands along the concept of John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers. I knew that a lot of those guys were just passing through and on their way to greatness of their own so I was just happy to be along for the ride.

In the mid to late 90’s and after spending some time performing and doing session work in Los Angeles, Christian semi retired and relocated to the high desert and mountains of Northern Arizona. Something about living in the high country caused Christian to begin to have a “watershed” period of literary and song writing that he is still employing today.

Since 1992 He has put out 7 albums and his latest “Hoodoo Du Voodoo?” has met with phenomenal success and has moved Chris and his band up to a whole new level in his recording and performing career. An evening at a Christian Michael Berry & The Swamp Poets Band or Swamp Poets Duo concert is an enjoyable evening well spent.

Christian’s love for the music he plays is so deep that in 2022 he decided to make his latest album “Hoodoo Du Voodoo?” available for free to anyone who wants to download it, (Available via this site). While you’re at it, sign up for his mailing list, (we promise not to spam you), to keep up with the latest Christian Michael Berry and The Swamp Poets News, (Like the new album that’s in the works!)

Google	Spotify	Deezer	Breaker
Pocket Cast	Radio Public	Stitcher	TuneIn
IHeart Radio	Mixcloud	PlayerFM	Amazon
Jiosaavn	Gaana	Vurbl	Audius
Reason.Fm

Find our Podcasts on these outlets

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music