Chris Devine and Michael Nix, are long time members of the Pioneer Consort, known for virtuosic, high energy performances of music that morphs and blends genres from classical, jazz, folk, bluegrass and international in quirky, captivating arrangements. Now these two innovative multi-instrumentalists are working on a new project of “Bach Re-imagined”. Baroque music takes on new perspectives when filtered through the imaginative arrangements and combinations of Chris Devine’s violin, viola, and mandolin, and Michael Nix’s classical guitar, and self desiged seven-string Banjar. Complimenting Bach will be Italian mandolin music by Calace and Gervasio, Irish music by O’Carolan, Brazilian Choro, and multi-genre original compositions.
Devine and Nix bring together decades of international concert touring, recording, and composing in many genres. They are founding members of world chamber music trio The Pioneer Consort performing energetic and entertaining music for violin, guitar, mandolin, and the Banjar--a seven string classical banjo. Their repertoire features virtuoso arrangements of traditional classical music, a world tour of musical traditions from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Russia, American banjo music, vintage jazz, and multi-genre original compositions.
"Felicitous music making… radiant… subtle…" Joseph Marcello, The Recorder
“Lively, full of energy, high octane; the spirit is infectious...” Marvin J. Ward, Classical Voice of New England
Chris Devine is a musician of diverse talents, performing on electric and acoustic violin, mandolin, guitar, flute, saxophone, and keyboard. He studied with internationally known concert violinist Julian Olevsky. As a session musician he has appeared on over 100 CDs in many different styles of music, including classical, jazz, pop, country, and folk. Chris toured Europe and Russia as a featured soloist with Blackmore's Night, starring the influential guitarist Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, and also appeared on their gold CD "Fires at Midnight".
Michael Nix has performed traditional classical repertoire, new classical, and original music on guitar, lute, banjo and mandolin, in concert halls throughout the United States and Asia. He has composed solo music, songs, chamber music, symphonic works, electronic music, and opera. Nix designed the seven-string Banjar, combining elements of the classical five-string banjo, the lute and the classical guitar.
